What causes cataracts?
A clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which is clear at birth, causes cataracts. This clouding could occur congenitally, meaning it is present at birth, but it is most likely to occur in people over the age of 60 because of the aging process. Many younger people can get cataracts as a result of trauma, diabetes, or family genetics, which can play a role.
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. 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 suggests, this type of cataract develops as a result of aging. • Congenital cataracts. Babies are sometimes born with cataracts as a result of an infection they had before they were born, or they may develop during childhood. • Secondary
Often cataracts are a part of the aging process of the eye. It has been estimated that 80% of people over the age of 60 will develop some degree of cataract. Less commonly, cataracts may develop due to eye injuries or other diseases such as diabetes or inflammatory conditions of the eye. Certain medicines have also been shown to increase the risk of cataract formation. For many people this leads to a gradual loss of the ability to see clearly and, if left untreated, can lead to complete loss of vision. Although cataracts can not yet be prevented or reversed, they can usually be treated successfully with the more modern techniques of cataract surgery.
