A cataract is cloudiness in...
A cataract is cloudiness in the lens of the eye. It can happen in infants and youth, but most commonly in older adults. Fifty percent of Americans, ages 65-75, have some degree of cataracts. Vision becomes altered. Objects will appear distorted and blurred. Loss of vision is gradual and, unless treated, the cataract can cause blindness in the eye. The treatment is surgery, when the affected lens is removed and replaced. Ninety percent of such surgeries result in improved vision. Cataract surgery used to require a stay of seven days in the hospital. Now it is done on an outpatient basis.