Browsing: Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by the clouding of the lens, which leads to a decrease in vision. They typically develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. The clouding occurs when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, preventing the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The development of cataracts is usually a natural part of the aging process, but they can also result from other risk factors such as diabetes, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, and certain genetic predispositions. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty with vision at night, sensitivity to light and glare, and seeing “halos” around lights. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people over 40 and are a principal cause of blindness worldwide. Treatment primarily involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with an artificial lens, restoring clear vision in the majority of cases.