Browsing: Cataracts

Comprehensive Information, Resources, and Support on Cataracts


Cataracts are dense and cloudy areas that form in the eyes and lead to opacification of the eye lens. There are different types of cataracts based on their location and origin. Cataracts in the eyes are mostly formed in three basic areas of the natural eye lens: the center of the eye lens, the outer portion of the lens, and the back surface of the lens.

In order to determine whether you have a cataract or any other eye problem, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. He or she will perform a thorough eye examination. She may recommend certain tests such as visual acuity test, slit-lamp test, and retinal examination for the diagnosis of cataract and rule out other problems.

If your vision can be corrected with glasses or contacts, your doctor will recommend them to you. If cataracts affect your daily life, you may need cataract surgery. The surgery is usually successful and you can go home the same day. The surgeon will replace your lens with an artificial one.

A cataract is defined as clouding of your eye’s natural lens. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 40. It is the most common cause of blindness in the world. There are as many as 22 million Americans aged 40 and older with cataract.

You develop cataract when protein builds up in the lens of your eye and makes it cloudy. There are different types of cataracts which may be caused by different factors. Common causes are genetics, trauma, age, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, use of certain medicines, and exposure to radiations.