What causes cataracts in the eye?
Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing vision to become hazy or cloudy. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts.
What is cataracts in medical terms?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts are treated by removing the cloudy lens of the eye with surgery. Sun protection and quitting smoking may help prevent cataracts. Cataracts are common in older people.
Why are cataracts called cataracts?
“Cataract” is derived from the Latin cataracta, meaning “waterfall”, and from the Ancient Greek καταρράκτης (katarrhaktēs), “down-rushing”, from καταράσσω (katarassō) meaning “to dash down” (from kata-, “down”; arassein, “to strike, dash”).
How do cataracts happen?
A cataract develops when the lens in your eye, which is normally clear, becomes foggy. For your eye to see, light passes through a clear lens. The lens is behind your iris (colored part of your eye). The lens focuses the light so that your brain and eye can work together to process information into a picture.
Can you see a cataract in your own eye?
You will likely not be able to see or even feel your cataract, but there are some common symptoms, which include the following: A painless blurring of vision. Glare or light sensitivity. Frequent eyeglass prescription changes.
Can I see my cataracts in the mirror?
At some point, the maturing lens begins to opacify, blocking and scattering the light entering the eye. If left untreated, a cataract will naturally continue to progress. In some cases, the maturing cataract becomes completely white and can be seen in the mirror or by others.
Can you get rid of cataracts without surgery?
The short answer is no; there is no natural cure to reverse cataracts nor have any studies proven that there is an effective, non-surgical method to slow the progression of cataracts. However, this shouldn’t strike you as alarming or even disappointing.
What causes cataract in the eye?
A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye’s lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic illnesses, hyperparathyroidism, atopic dermatitis, and certain medications.
What are symptoms of cataract?
Symptoms and signs of cataracts include clouded or blurred vision, vision loss, seeing halos around lights, inability to see at night or in dim light, and sensitivity to light (photophobia) and glare. Associated symptoms can include double vision and fading or perceived yellowing of colors. Cataracts do not cause eye pain.
What exactly is cataracts?
Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is also the principal cause of blindness in the world. Types of cataracts include: A subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Cataracts are usually diagnosed during an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will use a slit lamp (a special microscope) to visualize the lens of the eye.
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