A
cataract is an opacity or cloudiness in the natural lens of the eye. It is still
the leading cause of blindness worldwide and represents an important cause of
visual impairment in the United States. The development of cataracts in the adult
is related to aging, sunlight exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, eye trauma, systemic
diseases, and certain medications such as steroids. A single study has suggested
that use of oral vitamin C may help delay the progression of cataracts.
Just
as a smudged or dirty camera lens may spoil a photograph, opacity in the natural
lens of the eye can result in a blurred image. Patients with cataracts usually
complain of blurred vision either at distance, near, or both. This may interfere
with tasks such as driving or reading. Other common complaints include glare,
halos, and dimness of color vision.
Cataract Surgery
|
