A cataract is a condition in which the eye's natural lens loses its transparency and becomes cloudy. It typically occurs with advancing age and leads to a decline in vision over time. The eye's lens is a transparent structure that allows light to focus clearly on the retina. However, when this lens becomes cloudy, light does not refract properly, resulting in blurry or hazy images.

Cataracts can develop not only with aging, but also due to systemic diseases such as diabetes, long-term corticosteroid use, eye trauma, radiation exposure, or certain genetic causes. Rarely, there are congenital forms.

Symptoms may include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, fading of colors, impaired night vision, and double vision. The disease typically progresses slowly and can be difficult to detect in the early stages. However, as it progresses, vision problems that affect daily life can occur.

The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. The opaque natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, is painless, and has a high success rate. After surgery, the patient's vision improves significantly.

Early diagnosis and regular eye check-ups are important to monitor the progression of cataracts and intervene at the appropriate time.