What is a cataract?
When cataracts
are mentioned, people often think of a film that grows on
their eyes causing them to see double or blurred images.
However, a cataract does not form on the eye, but rather
within the eye.
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Eye without a cataract |
Eye with a cataract |
A cataract is a
clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible
for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. The lens
is contained in a sealed bag or capsule. As old cells die they
become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells
accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making images look
blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural
result of aging.
In fact, they
are the leading cause of visual loss among adults 55 and
older. Eye injuries, certain medications, and diseases such as
diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause
cataracts.
Normal
Vision
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