Over 1.4 million people have cataract surgery each year in the United States, and more than 95% of those surgeries are performed with no complications.

What is a cataract?A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed.What causes a cataract?

The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Causes of a cataract include:

• Family history
• Medical problems, such as diabetes
• Injury to the eye
• Medications, especially steroids
• Long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight
• Previous eye surgery
• Unknown factors