A clear lens in the eye focuses light. This lets the eye see images sharply. With age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is a cataract. A cataract scatters light and makes it hard for the eye to focus. Cataracts often form in both eyes. But one lens may cloud faster than the other.

The Aging of Your Lens

Your lens may cloud so slowly that you don’t notice any vision changes at first. But as the cataract gets worse, the eye has a harder time focusing. In early stages, glasses may help you see better. As the lens gets cloudier, your doctor may recommend surgery to restore your vision.

How to Know if You Have Cataracts

An evaluation will help your eye doctor learn more about vision problems you’re having and whether cataracts are the cause. This evaluation includes a medical history, vision tests, and an eye exam. What the doctor learns will help him or her determine the best treatment options for you.

Medical History

You will be asked questions about your vision and any other eye problems you may have. Your eye doctor will also ask about health problems, such as diabetes. Be sure to mention if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies.

Vision Tests

Your eye doctor will perform several tests to check your vision. This includes using an eye chart, and testing your vision under different lighting. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, bring them to the exam. This lets your eye doctor check the prescription.

An Eye Exam

During an eye exam, the doctor uses a slit lamp and an ophthalmoscope to look inside your eye. In most cases, eyedrops are used to dilate (widen) your pupils before the exam.

Discussing Treatment Options

After an eye exam, you and your eye doctor will discuss treatment options. A new eyeglass or contact lens prescription may improve your vision for a while. But surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and replace your cloudy lens. If your cataract isn’t keeping you from daily activities, you may wait to have it removed. Together you and your eye doctor will decide what’s best for you.