Cataract is a natural lens of the eye with the cloudiness that can impair vision. Almost half of the people over 65 years have cataract either in one or both the eyes. The cloudiness on the lens of the eye is formed because of the protein build-up that prevents the light from passing through a clear normal lens and causing some loss of the vision.

There are various reasons why a cataract is formed on the lens, but no one knows the exact reason for the protein build-up. The most common cause for a cataract is the ageing, typically develops with the age. Some babies have the cataracts developed mainly due to an infection before they were born or during the childhood. Also people develop the cataract following an injury to the eye, from diseases like diabetes, ultra-violet light and radiation. Cigarette smoking, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption may also result in the eye getting cataracts.

Cataracts often form slowly and cause few symptoms:

• Vision that is cloudy
• Sudden nearsightedness
• Changes in the way you see colour, especially yellow
• Problems with glare
• Double vision

The eye surgeon can perform a series of tests to see how well you can see with or without your contact lens, what type of cataract you have etc. Cataracts are classified as one of three types:

A cataract formed in the nucleus of the lens due to natural aging is called " nuclear cataract ".

A cataract formed in the lens cortex, gradually extending to the centre of the lens is called " cortical cataract ". The main cause of this type of cataract is diabetics.

A cataract formed at the back of the lens due to diabetes, high far sightedness or high intake of steroids is called " subcapsular cataract ".

If the vision is acceptable, eyeglasses, including bifocals and contacts, may be prescribed, so that the surgery is avoided. Cataract surgery is conducted as an outpatient basis. So talk to the surgeon to see which treatment is right for you.