What Is the Meaning of Cataracts?

Almost 22 million Americans have cataracts, an easily treatable condition affecting their eyes that builds up over the years. People with cataracts experience clouded vision similar to an out of focus camera lens. Cataracts are easily treatable, especially if discovered early, and cataract surgery has a 95 percent success rate, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Definition

• A cataract is a condition in the eye, a clouding of the lens that affects vision. Mostly related to aging, more than half of Americans 80 years old or older have or had a cataract. Cataracts occur in one or both eyes and do not spread between eyes.

Types

• Other than age related cataracts, four other types of cataracts affect eyes. Secondary cataracts result from other health conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetes. A traumatic cataract results from injury to the eye and sometimes not for several years. On occasion a child is born with, or develops, cataracts called congenital cataracts. Radiation also causes cataracts called radiation cataracts.

Causes

• Eyes are composed of pupils and irises with a lens located behind both, which is composed of water and protein. Much like the lens of a camera, the lens of your eye focuses light allowing you to see clearly. Aging sometimes sees the protein in your lens begin to build up creating a cloud. Researchers believe smoking, diabetes and steroid use are linked to cataracts.

Prevention/Solution

• Researchers believe hats with large brims, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolent light and good nutrition help to reduce the possibility of cataracts. Researchers recommend frequent eye exams to help detect vision problems early enough for treatment, which can save your vision.

Treatment

• Catching cataracts early enough lessens your chances for surgery by improving cataracts with new glasses. Glasses such as anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses can improve cataracts in the early stages, according to the National Eye Institute's facts about cataracts. Not catching cataracts before they begin interfering with everyday activities results in cataract removal via surgery. Discuss the decision to have cataract surgery with your health care provider. Long term damage to your eye is not a result of delaying cataract surgery while you consider your options