Learn About Cataracts

A cataract is a condition that develops in the lens of the eye. Cataracts are made from a protein that has altered from its natural state (denaturation), distorting and eventually prohibiting required light from entering into the retina, the part of the eye that receives light. Often cataracts cause no problems for many years but as the cataracts matures the cloudiness increases on the lens, the light reaching the retina decreases and significant sight loss and perhaps blindness can result.

Cataracts are considered a condition and not a disease therefore they develop for multiple reasons. Secondary cataracts develop from procedures preformed to correct other vision problems such as Glaucoma. Traumatic cataracts develop from injury to the eye lens or the eye as a whole. Congenital cataracts are genetic and are found in babies and sometimes develop in childhood. There are also radiation cataracts that develop after some kinds of exposure such as excessive sunlight. It has been shown that cataracts can develop from long term use of certain steroids as well as some lifestyle habits.

A cataracts can cover the eye lens partially or completely. It can be stationary, meaning its growth is in one place and slow or stopped, or it can be progressive and grow rapidly. Cataracts can also be hard or soft. In the case of any type of cataracts the procedure for treatment and eventually removal are similar. Cataracts surgery is one of the most progressive surgeries, having little or no side effects or post surgery complications. Cataracts surgery is the most common surgery performed on people over the age of 65, is covered by Medicaid and most medical insurance and the positive results are obvious within a week after surgery. Once a cataracts is removed it never comes back.