cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision gradually blurs or becomes hazy, similar to looking through a foggy window. Cataracts are often related to aging, but can also result from injury, certain medical conditions, or prolonged sun exposure. They typically develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Treatment usually involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, which restores clear vision.