A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. It affects your vision. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.

Common symptoms are:

• Blurry vision

• Colors that seem faded

• Glare – headlights, lamps or sunlight may seem too bright. You may also see a halo around lights.

• Not being able to see well at night

• Double vision

• Frequent prescription changes in your eye wear

Cataracts usually develop slowly. New glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses can help at first.

Surgery is also an option. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts.