A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye. A
cataract blocks light from reaching the retina (the nerve layer
at the back of the eye) and may cause vision problems. Cataracts
are common in older adults and are associated with aging.
Smoking and exposure to excessive sunlight are additional risk
factors. Cataracts can also occur after an eye injury, as a
complication of eye disease, after the use of certain medicines,
or because of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. Some
babies are born with cataracts or have them shortly after birth.
These are called congenital cataracts. Cataracts in adults are
treated with surgery if vision problems are interfering with the
person's quality of life. Surgery to remove congenital cataracts
is usually done during the first 3 months of a child's life.
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