The eyes are amazing organs that utilize various parts working in conjunction with one another. When working correctly, eyes enable crisp vision and process a vast array of vivid hues. The National Eye Institute advises that cataracts are common as people get older. (Metro Creative) When the eyes are compromised by illness or other conditions, various impairments may be the culprit. Cataracts often affect aging individuals. The American Academy of Ophthalmology¨ says a cataract forms when the natural lens in the eye, which is responsible for refracting light rays that come in the eye to help a person see, becomes cloudy. As a result, vision can be compromised and seem like a person is looking through a foggy or dirty car windshield, says the AAO. The National Eye Institute advises that cataracts are common as people get older. More than half of Americans age 80 years or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts. According to the AARP website, if you live long enough, you’ll probably get cataracts, which are an inevitable consequence of getting older. “I liken cataracts to wrinkles and gray hair,” says Dr. Anupama Horne, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon at Duke University in Durham, N.C., according to aarp.org. In the end, nearly everyone will develop them. Cataracts usually take a long time to develop, and can occur in  one or both eyes but won’t spread like an infection from one eye to the other, AARP says on its website. But the good news is that today’s high-tech procedures restore clear vision in 90% of the 3 million Americans who undergo cataract surgery every year. The following are some common symptoms of cataracts: • Cloudy or blurry vision that still occurs despite the usage of corrective prescription glasses or contact lenses • Colors look faded • Compromised night vision • Halos appearing around lights • Oncoming headlights, lamps or sunlight seem too bright • Double vision • Frequent changes to visit prescriptions Researchers have identified certain things that may contribute to the changes that occur in the lenses that lead to the formation of cataracts. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or other sources is a main risk factor. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications and other factors come into play as well. All About Vision says cataracts can be broken down into various types, and some are much more common than others. • Nuclear: These cataracts are the most common and form in the center of the lens, gradually worsening. • Cortical: Cortical cataracts generally start as spoke-like opaque areas at the edges of the lens that grow inward. They tend to be responsible for more night glare. • Congenital: Some people are born with cataracts. • Trauma-induced: These cataracts form anywhere and often develop into a rosette shape. • Post subcapsular cataracts: Initially developing at the central back surface of the lens, these cataracts often develop faster than other types. Vision around bright light and colors is affected. Eye doctors generally diagnose cataracts during dilated eye exams. The NEI says anyone age 60 or older should get dilated eye exams every one to two years. According to the AARP website, cataracts are usually identified by a thorough exam that includes a visual acuity test, where you read letters of varying sizes off an eye chart. This measures the sharpness and clarity of your vision, and how well you can see at various distances. During a dilated eye exam, drops are used to dilate and widen the pupils, offering the physician a clearer view of the back of your eye. Your doctor will then use a slit-lamp microscope to look for signs of cataracts, as well as examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of eye damage and other problems such as glaucoma. Surgery may be recommended only at the point when cataracts start to severely interfere with daily activities. If you do need surgery, AARP says this is what to expect: Preparations A week before surgery, your doctor will test your eyes to measure the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. The information will help the surgeon choose which type of artificial lens — known as an intraocular lens (IOL) — is right for you. You may also need to temporarily stop taking certain medications. If you have cataracts in both eyes, each eye will be treated at a separate time to allow for healing. Procedure The surgery itself, which usually takes less than 30 minutes, is generally done on an out-patient basis under local anesthesia that numbs the nerves in and around the eye. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, plastic one. The eye surgeon makes a tiny cut in the cornea, the clear dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. A tiny probe is inserted through the cut. Using ultrasound, the probe breaks up the cloudy lens into very small pieces, which are suctioned out. The artificial lens is inserted through the cut and positioned inside the lens capsule, which holds the new lens in place. Sometimes, the cut in the eye will need a stitch, but it is normally small enough to heal on its own. The operation can be done using traditional surgical tools, or it may be laser-assisted. Complications After surgery, most people’s vision improves quickly and colors will be more vivid. They can resume their normal activities when they get home, although they may need to wear a patch over the eye. Itching and mild discomfort are normal and eyes may be sensitive to light and touch. But within a day or two, unpleasant aftereffects should diminish. For a week or so after surgery, patients will need to use eye drops to help with healing and decrease the risk of infection, and may wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to protect their eyes. As with any surgery, there is a possibility of complications, such as infection, bleeding, inflammation, double vision and high or low eye pressure. In rare instances, retinas can become detached. However, these problems can usually be treated with prompt medical attention. Occasionally, the eye tissue that encapsulates the IOL can cloud the new lens — a condition that is called after-cataract, which can develop months or even years after the surgery. This normally can be corrected with a laser. Prevention If you smoke, stop; limit alcohol consumption and keep diabetes under control. When you’re outside, wearing a hat and sunglasses with UV400 or 100% UV protection to block harmful ultraviolet sunlight may help delay their onset. “Long-term exposure to UV light does increase risks,” says Dr. Shahzad Mian, an eye surgeon at the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, according to the AARP website. “People who live in equatorial climates get more advanced cataracts and at a younger age because of the more intense sunlight.” Doctors recommend cutting out sugary carbohydrates and consuming green, leafy vegetables, fruit and other nourishing edibles that contain natural antioxidants because many believe oxidative damage from sunlight and environmental exposures damages the lens of the eye. Until surgery becomes necessary, people can mitigate cataracts by updating eyeglass prescriptions, turning lights up when possible and wearing anti-glare sunglasses