Cataracts are more common in older people but they can affect people of all ages and may be present at birth in some rare cases. Cataracts cause patches of cloudiness to form over the lens portion of the eye, which prevents clear vision. Cataracts grow gradually over the course of time; they usually develop in one eye but they may affect both eyes in some cases.
Treating cataracts
Cataracts do not get better with time, they only get worse and the only way to get rid of them is to have cataract surgery. During the procedure, the cataract is usually removed by means of keyhole surgery; it is a quick operation that can be completed in just 45 minutes. Recovery time is short and you should be able to go home on the same day. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you will have operations on separate days so that the eyes can heal fully. The eye will usually be covered with a patch for a few hours and it is best to avoid bright sunlight for a period of time to enable your eye to heal fully.