A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. When untreated, it represents the most frequent cause of blindness, and is typically addressed through surgical intervention.
What Causes Cataracts
The primary factors are aging and excessive UV exposure. The eye's lens, composed mainly of water and proteins, normally maintains clarity through proper protein alignment. Over time, proteins can aggregate and become opaque, creating a foggy appearance similar to looking through a hazy window.
People with cataracts frequently experience:
- Difficulty appreciating colors and contrast changes
- Challenges while driving (especially at night)
- Trouble reading and recognizing faces
- Sensitivity to bright light glare
Treatment
Cataract surgery is the standard treatment, replacing the clouded lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) and restoring clear vision. By age 80, more than half of Americans have either developed cataracts or undergone cataract surgery.
Prevention strategies include wearing eyewear that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and limiting direct sunlight exposure.