A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can create changes in your vision over time. Cataracts interfere with light passing through the eye to the retina. Aging and other factors cause proteins in the eye’s lens to clump together forming these cloudy areas. Early changes may not disturb vision, but over time cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and sensitivity to light. People with progressed cataracts often say they feel as if they’re looking through a waterfall or a piece of wax paper.
Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly over time. As cataracts progress, you may notice one or more of the following common symptoms: