What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a common eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens is normally clear and helps focus light onto the retina for sharp vision. When a cataract develops, vision becomes blurred, dim, or distorted, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces difficult. Cataracts are most commonly related to aging but can affect people of all ages.
Causes of Cataract
Cataracts form when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, causing cloudiness. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Aging: The most common cause of cataracts
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can speed up cataract formation
- Excessive sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the lens over time
- Smoking and alcohol use: Increase oxidative stress in the eyes
- Eye injury or trauma: Can lead to early cataract development
- Long-term steroid use: Certain medications raise the risk
- Genetic factors: Cataracts can run in families
Symptoms of Cataract
Cataracts usually develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. As the condition progresses, common symptoms include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
