Cataracts are a vision problem where the lens in the eye becomes clouded. As a result, the flow of light is distorted and the picture formed on the retina becomes dim or blurry. By the age of 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Some specific risk factors for the condition include age, diabetes, smoking, and long-term alcohol use. In most cases, the only treatment for cataracts is surgery.