What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens in the eye and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment. While cataracts most commonly occur in those who are older, they can develop in younger people as well. Some people are born with a cataract.

 

What are the symptoms?

In its early stages a cataract may not cause vision problems. However some of the common signs associated with advanced cataracts include:

• Blurred vision
• Glare sensitivity
• Distortion or double vision in the affected eye
• A feeling of looking through a veil or curtain

Who is at risk?

Those most at risk include people who have:

• A family history of the eye condition
• Diabetes
• An injury to the eye
• Exposed their eyes to sunlight without protection over a long period
• Smoked for a period of time

what is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia usually occurs beginning at around age 40, when people experience blurred near vision when reading, sewing or working at the computer.

You can’t escape presbyopia, even if you’ve never had a vision problem before. Even people who are nearsighted will notice that their near vision blurs when they wear their usual eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct distance vision.

When people develop presbyopia, they find they need to hold books, magazines, newspapers, menus and other reading materials at arm’s length in order to focus properly. When they perform near work, such as embroidery or handwriting, they may develop headaches, eye strain or feel fatigued.