Cataract is the most common cause of temporary blindness in the world. Despite the prevalence of cataracts among patients and despite their negative and severe impact on vision, their treatment is simple with high safety rates.<\/p>\n
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The eye consists of several parts, each of which has a specific function. One of these parts is called the crystalline lens, and it is responsible for collecting the image on the retina so that the eye can see clearly. Cataract is an opacity that affects the transparent crystalline lens, reducing its transparency and thus weakening its ability to collect and transmit images to the retina. The opacity of the eye lens is called cataract because in its final stages it turns into complete opacity, white in color, not transparent at all.<\/p>\n
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Most cases of cataracts do not have a specific cause, but there are factors that may help increase the possibility of cataracts, such as:
\nAge: The possibility of developing cataracts increases in the elderly
\nSmoking: Cataract rates increase among smokers
\nChronic diseases: Some chronic diseases increase the possibility of developing cataracts, such as diabetes
\nMedications and medications: such as medications containing cortisone and some high blood pressure medications
\nSome chronic eye diseases: such as iritis
\nEye injuries: Eye injuries, especially if they are somewhat severe, may lead to cataracts<\/p>\n
There are types of cataracts that affect children, but they differ in their causes and treatment methods. You can learn more about them by reviewing the article Cataracts in Children<\/p>\n