Cataracts are the leading cause of decreased vision in adults older than 65 and is the most common surgical procedure for elderly people. But you can get an "age-related" cataract when you're in your 40s or 50s, although most likely it will be small and not rob you of your vision. Only 15 percent of people are affected with cataracts by age 55, but this figure jumps to 50 percent by age 75, and 90 percent by age 85. It's important to note, however, that cataracts worsen over time … so it's never too late-or early-to try to prevent them and/or treat them!

A cataract is an opaque spot on the lens of the eye that you can't see through.
The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil, and works like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, which allows you to see things clearly, up close, and far away.

The lens is made of mostly water and protein. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

The haze can vary in size, density, and location, which means its effect on your vision, will also vary. At first, many people experience an overall reduction in their vision; they may need more light to read by, or may have difficulty reading street signs while driving. A cataract can also affect depth perception, which is particularly dangerous for the elderly who are more prone to falling.

Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision.
Changes in the way you see colours.
Problems driving at night because headlights seem too bright.
Problems with glare from lamps or the sun.
Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription.
Double vision.
Better near vision (temporarily in farsighted people only).