Childhood cataracts

Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye undergoes changes that make it less clear. This leads to blurred or hazy vision. The lens is the clear part situated just behind the pupil, which is the black circle in the middle of the eye. Its role is to let light travel through to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. While cataracts primarily affect older individuals (known as age-related cataracts), some infants can be born with them as well.