Each eye has a natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. When this lens gets clouded, it is known as a cataract. Along with adjusting the eye's focus, this lens works much like a camera lens, and focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye.

This 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 may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

There are three types of cataracts:

• A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. It forms in the nucleus, which is the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes.
• A cortical cataract forms in the lens cortex, and gradually extends from the outside of the lens to the center. Cortical cataracts are commonly developed by people with diabetes.
• A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract.

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