Cataracts

A) Figure showing the actual cloudy appearance of the cataract can be seen through the pupil. (Figure from www.eyemdlink.com). B) A visual scene as might be viewed by a patient with cataracts. (figure from  www.nei.nih.gov)

A cataract is an opacity (cloudiness) within the lens. Most cataracts are related to aging and are very common in the elderly population. In the surgical treatment of cataract, the lens inside the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.