Introduction

Bilateral cataracts (disorder), Cataracts,CAE1, CTRCT1, cataract 1, multiple types, with or without microcornea, zonular pulverulent cataract 1, CZP1, Duffy linked cataract,CATARACT, POSTERIOR POLAR,cataract 35, congenital nuclear, autosomal recessive congenital nuclear cataract 1, CTRCT35, CATCN1,CTRCT8, cataract, congenital, Volkmann type, CCV,

Cataracts occur when changes in the lens of the eye cause it to become less transparent (clear). This results in cloudy or misty vision.

The lens is the crystalline structure that sits just behind your pupil (the black circle in the center of your eye).

When light enters your eye, it passes through the cornea (the transparent layer of tissue at the front of the eye) and the lens, which focuses iton the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of your eye (the retina).

Cataracts sometimes start to develop in a person's lens as they get older, stopping some of the light from reaching the back of the eye.

Over time, cataracts becomeworse and start to affect vision. Eventually, surgery will be needed to remove and replace the affected lens.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016