A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that typically develops after the age of 50 but can occur at any age. As the natural lens turns cloudy, the vision typically changes. At first, the cataract may simply change the strength of the glasses. Later, even new glasses may not improve the vision much. When a cataract reaches the stage where it limits the vision, and an individual would like better vision, then cataract surgery is considered. Fortunately, modern-day cataract surgery is generally (typically) very successful at improving the vision and is among the most common surgeries performed in this country today.