A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. So how do you determine if you have a cataract? It is essential to have a complete examination by your eye doctor once you notice any change in vision. In addition to cataracts, other diseases can also cause vision loss, such as retinal and optic neuropathy. If you have other diseases at the same time, it is less likely that your vision will be restored after cataract removal than if you have a cataract alone. Common symptoms of cataracts include: 1. painless vision loss. 2. 2. Glare or sensitivity to bright light. 3. The need to change glasses frequently. 4. double vision in one eye. 5. The ability to read in bright light. 6. Blurred vision. If the clouding is not in the center of the lens, you may not feel that you have a cataract. The following points will hopefully clear up some of your misconceptions: 1. Cataracts are not a thin film on the eye. 2. 2. Cataracts are not caused by excessive eye use. 3. It is not a type of cancer. 4. It is not contagious. 5. The visual impairment caused by cataract can be recovered after treatment. The most common causes of cataracts are: 1. family history; 2. other diseases, such as diabetes; 3. eye trauma; 4. taking certain medications, such as hormones; 5. unprotected, prolonged exposure to sunlight; 6. frontal eye surgery.