The first sign of a cataract is blurred vision. A cloudy, opaque area develops in the lens of your eye and blocks out light. Making it harder to see. Cataract is an age related malady. If you are over 60, you need to visit your doctor once a year for a complete eye examination. If you smoke the chance of having a cataract is higher. Cataracts are also caused by prolonged exposure to heat (X-rays for e.g.), disease, drugs and eye injuries. Occasionally, babies are born with it or develop it in the early years.

Symptoms ::
Double, cloudy or flimsy vision. Colour blindness, Allergy to bright lights. Frequent changes in spectacle prescription.

Treatment ::
The most common type of surgery is extra capsular cataract extraction. This involves removing the clouded lens manually. But there is also a new procedure where a laser beam is used to pulverize the spoilt lens, and a new lens is implanted in its place. Both procedures offer long-term results and are 95% successful.