EYE INFORMATION - CATARACT

What is a cataract?

In order to see clearly, the eye has to adjust its focus continually for objects that are at different distances from the eye. This function is performed by the lens of the eye, which is located just behind the pupil and iris (the coloured part of the eye). The lens has to be clear and transparent for good vision. If, for any reason, the lens does not maintain its clarity and it starts becoming cloudy and opaque, this is termed “cataract”.  Therefore, a cataract is really a lens that is, or is starting to become opaque.
What causes a cataract?

A cataract may be caused by many different factors, but the common cataract occurs with increasing age.  These cataracts develop slowly over a matter of months or years, and the only noticeable symptom is a generalized decrease in vision.  General illumination and brightness become diminished, and occasionally patients perceive objects to be double while looking with one eye.  Some patients will experience a decrease of their vision in bright sunlight, while others find their vision to be worse at night.

Other causes of cataracts are those that are congenital, i.e. those that occur in newborn infants, often the result of German measles occurring during the first three months of pregnancy of the mother. Injuries are also a common cause of cataract and these may develop overnight as the result of a direct blow or the entrance of a sharp object or foreign body into the eye.  Diabetic patients seem to be prone to develop old age cataracts more frequently.

Clearly the common old age cataract develops as a result of the decline in the normal maintenance of health and nutrition to the lens.  Unfortunately, there are no drops or medicines that can be given to halt this process.  Some patients have a hereditary tendency to develop cataracts as well.

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