The lens of the eye is a crystal-clear, flexible structure located at the front of the eyeball. It allows the light rays entering the eye to be focused on the retina. The lens has no blood supply, and is nourished by the surrounding fluid through diffusion. with aging, the nutrition to the eye is compromised by vascular disease and other problems. As the lens looses its nutrition, it may become damaged. This can lead to the lens becoming less transparent and less flexible. When this happens, a cataract forms. Cataracts may form in one or both eyes. They progress at various rates.
Causes of Cataract
There are many causes of cataracts. They may be due to disease, aging, injury or heredity. Hyperglycemia, or diabetes, can produce cataracts. Inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis, may lead to lens damage and cataracts. Drugs, especially the use of cortisone, can lead to the development of premature cataracts. Exposure to x-rays, microwaves and infrared radiation can all damage the lens and produce cataracts. German measles in the mother of an unborn child can lead to congenital cataracts. Galactosemia, an inherited disorder of infants in which milk cannot be digested, may produce cataracts..
Signs and Symptoms of Cataract
Cataracts produce symptoms that vary depending on how severe the clouding of the lens is. There is blurred vision, which is often worse in bright light. Also, blurred vision is prominent while driving at night. Lights appear to have halos around them. Double vision may occur. In late stages, the pupil may appear milky white.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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