Without question, this is one of the most frequently asked questions in any eye care office, including my own. Not surprisingly, most peoples' perception of a cataract is vastly different from it's definition. To be clear, cataracts are not a "growth" that develops on the front of the eye, nor are they a disease, per se.
Quite simply, cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, a result of metabolic changes within the lens. While most people equate cataracts with age (indeed most people with cataracts are above the age of 55), they can actually develop at any age and in a variety of forms. In fact, many people are the proud owners of "congenital" cataracts, which most often present as a very small, central opacity in the lens of the eye as a result of incomplete development of the eye's lens. Certain disease processes, most notably diabetes, can speed the development of certain types of cataracts, as can trauma and prolonged exposure to moderate to high doses of certain medications (i.e corticosteroids). Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation and cigarette smoking are risk factors for the development of cataracts.
Cataracts typically develop over the course of many months or years, and in some cases remain relatively stagnant. Luckily, with great advances in surgical technology, cataracts can be easily removed and replaced with synthetic lenses with minimal complications, restoring vision to it's optimal level.
A simple, comprehensive eye exam by a licensed eye care professional will quickly determine the presence of cataracts, so be sure to have your eyes examined regularly before severe vision problems develop.
Yours in eye health,
Kevin L. Crosier, O.D.
www.crosiereyeassociates.vpweb.com
kevinlcrosier@msn.com
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