Behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) there is a clear lens. Cataracts occur when this lens becomes cloudy. Some causes of cataracts include UV exposure, diabetes, steroid use,  trauma, and age.

This typically occurs over a short period of time, but can occur quickly in the cases

of trauma and steroid use.  Your optometrist can monitor your cataracts and make

suggestions to improve your vision until surgery is required. Cataract surgery is

considered a relatively safe and routine surgery and patients typically report much

clearer vision by the next day.  Following the surgery, it is normal for patients to

require a change in their glasses prescription. It is always recommended that

patients wear glasses with UV protection to delay the occurrence of Cataracts. It

has also been shown that a diet high in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E,

can delay cataracts from forming. (Read more about eye nutrition here)