Most cataracts develop slowly over time and will not greatly affect eyesight in the early stages. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye either due to natural aging or injury. Proteins and fibers in the lens of the eye begin to break down causing the formation of the cataract to create a haziness or blurriness in vision.
One certainty in life is that everyone will eventually develop cataracts. In fact, cataract formation starts earlier than you might think, typically in your 40s. Most cataracts, however, do not become significant enough to notice until your 50s or 60s, which is when most folks elect to have cataract surgery. But how do we know when it’s time for surgery?
Cataracts and astigmatism are common vision conditions that impact your overall quality of vision in the healthy eye. The eye's natural lens focuses light and helps you see people and objects at varying distances. When you have a cataract, the lens in your eye stiffens and hardens resulting in blurry cloudy vision.