Cataracts occur when the normally clear transparent lens located behind the pupil of the eye becomes clouded. In such cases, light rays entering the eye are no longer clearly focused on the retina, so vision becomes blurred. Cataracts usually develop as part of the aging process, but may also develop as a result of other medical problems and genetic inheritance.

Modern advances in ophthalmology have made surgical treatment of cataracts relatively routine. If the eye is healthy, the chances are excellent that you will have good vision following removal of your cataract.

If you have a cataract, you may be experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Painless blurring or dimming of your vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare, especially in bright sunlight or while driving at night
• Increased nearsightedness, requiring frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
• Distortion or ghost images in either eye

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time for an examination with Michael E. Hettinger, M.D., Carl V. Migliazzo, M.D., or Sara S. O’Connell, M.D. Please call the Kansas City Eye Clinic, (913) 341-3100 to schedule an evaluation.