A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that causes loss of vision. Cataracts affect 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older.

Cataracts cause overall general blurring — people, objects, and colors look hazy, cloudy, and "washed out." This lack of detail makes it difficult to tell time, read, watch television, see food on a plate, and walk safely indoors and outdoors. Surgery can usually be effective in removing cataracts. The National Eye Institute [all links on this page open in a new window] has provided the following photos.

Here is what a person with normal vision sees:

Here is what a person with cataracts sees:

Click here to learn more about cataracts:

• Cataracts defined
• Risks for Cataracts

Click here to learn more about Cataracts from the National Institute of Health.