What is it?
A cataract is the loss of clearness (transparency) of the natural lens inside of the eye. Although it is possible to be born with it (congenital cataract) on rare occasions, a cataract is usually caused by aging mainly after 60 years old. Other causes of a cataract are the usage of some medications (especially corticoids), eye trauma, diabetes, inflammations and infections. Vision impairment in the elderly is not always because of cataract. It could be a result of diseases such as retina trombosis, optic nerve ischemia, macular degeneration, glaucoma or other problems.
Cataract is a disease that leads to a blurred vision even with glasses and is considered the greatest cause of blindness in the world. In addition to visual blurring, cataracts can also alter sensitivity to light, real color perception, and double vision. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery.