Anatomy & Basics
This part of the eye, located behind the iris, becomes cloudy when a cataract develops.
The lens
Many patients describe their vision as feeling like they are looking through this common household object.
A foggy window or frosted glass
This is the most common risk factor for developing cataracts.
Aging
This is currently the only effective way to remove a cataract.
Surgery
Patients are often told to avoid this physical action to prevent pressure buildup in the eye immediately after surgery.
Heavy lifting or bending over
Cataracts are primarily caused by the clumping of these molecules within the lens.
Proteins
This symptom makes it difficult to drive at night due to oncoming headlights.
Glare or halos
Overexposure to this type of radiation from the sun can accelerate cataract formation.
Ultraviolet or UV light
During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with this artificial device.
An Intraocular Lens or IOL
These are prescribed for several weeks post-surgery to prevent infection and inflammation.
Medicated eye drops
This type of cataract is specifically associated with the natural aging process.
Senile cataract
A cataract may cause colors to appear faded or tinged with this specific hue.
Yellow or brown
People with this metabolic disease are at a significantly higher risk for early-onset cataracts.
Diabetes
This modern surgical technique uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens for removal.
Phacoemulsification
This protective gear is often worn while sleeping during the first week of recovery.
An eye shield
This specific part of the lens is affected in a "Nuclear" cataract.
The center or nucleus?
This phenomenon occurs when a patient suddenly finds they no longer need reading glasses, shortly before their vision fades again
"Second sight"
Long-term use of this class of anti-inflammatory medications is linked to cataract development.
Corticosteroids
Most cataract surgeries are performed using this type of anesthesia, where the patient remains awake.
Local or topical anesthesia
This common post-surgical "complication" is actually a clouding of the lens capsule and is treated with a quick laser procedure.
A secondary cataract or PCO
Unlike a film over the eye, a cataract is actually a change inside the eye; it cannot be spread from one eye to the other, making it this type of condition.
Non-contagious
This vision defect occurs when a single eye sees two images of an object.
Monocular diplopia or double vision
This lifestyle habit introduces oxidative stress to the lens, doubling the risk of cataracts.
Smoking
This type of advanced IOL can correct both distance and near vision, potentially eliminating the need for glasses.
A multifocal or trifocal lens
The laser used to treat a "secondary cataract" is known by this three-letter acronym.
YAG