A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision. It can affect one or both eyes. Most cataracts develop slowly over the course of years. The main symptom is blurry vision. Having cataracts can be like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When a cataract interferes with someone’s usual activities, the cloudy lens can be replaced with a clear, artificial lens. This is generally a safe, outpatient procedure.

Credit: National Eye Institute, NIH