What is a Cataract?
What is a Cataract?
At Westlake Eye Specialists, conveniently located in Austin, Texas, we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care to our community. One of the most common conditions we treat is cataracts, a vision impairment that can significantly affect your quality of life. But what exactly is a cataract, and why is it important to understand this condition?
A cataract is a condition that causes the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy or opaque, leading to a gradual decline in vision. This lens, located behind the iris and pupil, is normally clear and plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. As cataracts develop, this once-clear lens becomes progressively clouded, leading to blurred or foggy vision, much like looking through a frosted window. Cataracts are often associated with aging and typically develop slowly over time, making them a common issue among older adults. However, they can also be influenced by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, certain medical conditions, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Causes of Cataracts
Cataracts are a result of the natural aging process of the eye, where the proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, forming cloudy areas. However, cataracts aren’t solely limited to older adults; various factors can contribute to their development. For instance, genetic predisposition can increase one’s risk, meaning if cataracts run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them. Medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are also significant contributors. Furthermore, lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate cataract formation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays, especially without the protection of sunglasses, can also lead to cataract development over time. Additionally, previous eye injuries or surgeries can increase susceptibility, underscoring the importance of protecting your eyes from trauma and maintaining regular check-ups with your eye care specialist.
While age is the most common factor contributing to cataracts, other causes include:
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of cataracts can increase the risk.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can contribute to cataract formation.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known risk factors.
- Prolonged UV exposure: Consistent exposure to sunlight without adequate eye protection can accelerate cataract development.
- Eye injuries or surgeries: Previous eye surgeries or injuries can increase the likelihood of cataract formation.
Cataracts often form slowly and cause few symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:
- Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy
- Sudden nearsightedness
- Changes in the way colors are seen, particularly the color yellow
- Problems driving at night because oncoming headlights are distracting
- Problems with glare
- Double vision
- Sudden temporary improvement in close-up vision
