A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil and the colored iris, which normally is transparent. The lens helps to focus images onto the retina and transmits images to the brain. When your vision becomes blurry or dim it’s because the cataract stops the light from passing through to your retina.

Today, cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older and more than 30 million Americans are expected to have cataracts by the year 2020. It is important to maintain your eye health because a cataract can cause serious problems or even blindness if it is left untreated.

Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision, double vision, ghost images, or seeing a “film” over your eyes
• Lights may appear too dim for reading or close-up
• Changing eyeglass prescriptions does not help
• A milky or yellowish spot on your pupil

For more information about cataracts visit www.preventblindness.org and speak to your Ophthalmologist to obtain a diagnosis and proper treatment.