What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause vision loss. It is a common condition that affects vision and is particularly common in older people. A cataract can make it harder to read, drive, and recognize faces. It can also cause glare and reduce color perception.
Causes
Cataracts can be caused by age, lifestyle, medical history, or even past trauma to the eye. The most common cause is aging, accounting for nearly 50 percent of cases. Smoking and exposure to ultraviolet light are also contributing factors.
Treatment
Cataract surgery is highly successful in restoring vision and is the only reliable treatment for cataracts. This involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, during which time a small incision is made on the side of the eye.
Prevention
Some lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing cataracts. These include wearing sunglasses, protecting the eyes from the sun, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and avoiding extended exposure to sunlight. Regular eye examinations can help detect the early signs of cataracts so they can be managed more easily.
