Cataracts are when changes in the lens of the eye cause it to become cloudy and less transparent. This means the patient’s vision also becomes cloudy/misty and it can have significant implications on their daily life.
The lens sits behind the pupil, when light enters the eye it passed through the cornea (transparent tissue at the front of the eye) and the lens, which focuses it on the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina).
Cataracts can develop as the eyes age making it difficult for the lens to focus the light properly and preventing some of the light from getting through. As cataracts become worse they can start to affect the patient’s vision and eventually surgery may be needed to replace the lens.