Definition:
Cataracts is a condition in which the lens of the eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy or opaque (preventing light from passing through). Cataracts generally form slowly and without pain. They can affect one or both eyes. Over time, a cataract may interfere with vision, causing images to appear blurred or fuzzy and colors to seem faded. Most cataracts are related to aging. The eye functions much like a camera. Light rays enter through the front of the eye, passing through the cornea, the pupil, and the aqueous humor (transparent fluid in the front of the eye) onto the lens. The lens then bends light rays to focus objects onto the retina in the back of the eye. From there, the retina, the optic nerve, and the brain process the images and form vision.
Cause:
Cataracts occur when there is a buildup of protein in the lens that makes it cloudy. This prevents light from passing through a normally clear lens, causing some loss of vision. No one knows what causes the buildup of protein responsible for clouding the lens. The cataract is a lens that has become clouded. Types of cataracts include:
- Age related cataracts - As the name suggest, this type of cataract develops as a result of aging
- Congenital cataracts - Babies are sometime born with cataracts as a result of an infection they had before they were born, or they may develop during childhood
- Secondary cataracts - These can form after injury to the eye
- Traumatic cataracts - These can form after injury to the eye
Characteristics:
Cataracts often form slowly and cause few symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:
- Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy
- Sudden nearsightedness (unable to see clearly objects that are far away)
- Changes in the way you see color, especially yellow
- Problems driving at night because oncoming headlights are distracting
- Double vision
- Sudden temporary improvement in close-up vision
Sources:
www.afb.org
www.DrBillFoundation.org
www.familyconnect.org/eyeconditions.asp
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/health-cataracts-eyes
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
| 