Cataracts are the leading cause of poor vision in adults.

Scientists think there may be several reasons for the development of cataracts; including aging, smoking, diabetes and excessive exposure to sunlight. Cataracts can also develop soon after an eye injury, or even years later. The most common type of cataract is related to aging, and more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have a cataract. Cataracts affect men and women equally, as well as all races and ethnic groups.

In a normal eye, light passes through the lens and gets focused on the retina. To help produce a sharp image, the lens must remain clear. In its early stages, a cataract may not cause a vision problem and cloudiness may affect only a small part of the lens. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see and often times requiring surgery.

However, the development of cataracts does not have to mean a loss of sight. Treatment of cataracts is more than 95% successful in restoring good vision. Click the links to the left to learn how Lehmann Eye Center provides state-of-the-art vision services for patients with cataracts.

Please use the PDF below to learn more about cataracts. You may also view the information in a separate window by clicking here.