Herzig Eye Institute

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. As we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it will grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

While early-stage cataracts can be treated with new glasses, magnifiers or other visual aids, cataracts usually require surgery. Ophthalmologists and optometrists can diagnose cataracts and differentiate from other eye problems and confirm the existence and nature of cataract. The Herzig Eye Institute provides individual consultation in order to determine the most effective treatment for each patient.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be developing cataracts, simply ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist for a referral to the Herzig Eye Institute, or contact us to request a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.