A cataract is a loss of clarity within the lens of the eye. A normal lens is clear and lets light pass to the back of the eye. When a cataract forms in the lens it blocks some of the light. As it develops, it becomes harder for a person to see.

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What are cataracts?

Around half of Australians aged between over 65 to 74 have cataracts. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that interferes with vision by diffusing light as it passes through the eye.

A cataract may display a number of different symptoms and be caused by a variety of factors, including age, injury, and certain diseases. While some people have cataracts at birth or develop them early in life, the majority of cataract diagnoses occur in patients who are in their 60s or 70s.

The effects of a cataract can include dim, blurry, cloudy, and foggy vision. Cataract symptoms may appear slowly and painlessly, but often require treatment as they progressively obstruct vision.