White water (cataract) is the clouding of the transparent lens inside the eye. It can be imagined as a frosted glass window or glass with water vapor on its surface.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry, painless vision.
• Sensation of glare and light sensitivity.
• Constant changes in prescription glasses.
• Double vision in one eye.
• Need for bright light for reading.
• Dimming and yellowing of colors.
• Poor night vision.
• There are different forms and degrees of lens clouding. If the clouding is away from the center of the lens, the patient may not feel the presence of cataracts.

Causes of Cataracts:

• Aging.
• Genetic factors.
• Diabetes.
• Eye injury.
• Previous eye surgery.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight without protection.
• Use of corticosteroid-containing medications.

Diagnosing Cataracts:

An eye doctor can diagnose the presence and degree of cataracts or any other condition causing blurred vision through a comprehensive eye examination.

Other causes of vision loss, such as diseases affecting the retina or optic nerve, may coexist with cataracts. In such cases, full vision may not be restored even after cataract removal.

How Fast Do Cataracts Form?

The formation varies from person to person and even between the eyes of the same person. Most cataracts in elderly patients develop over years.

Some types of cataracts in younger patients with diabetes can form rapidly within months, leading to deterioration of vision.

When Should Surgery Be Performed?

Surgery should be performed when vision loss reaches a stage that affects the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

It is not true that one must wait for cataracts to mature before surgical removal.

The patient should decide if they can see clearly for tasks such as work, driving, reading, watching TV, cooking, walking, or taking medications without difficulty.

Based on the patient’s symptoms, the eye doctor can determine the timing of surgery.