Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens, the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 and a major cause globally.

Causes

Age-related protein denaturation and clumping in the lens. Risk factors: UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, corticosteroids, trauma, genetics.

Symptoms

• Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision
• Glare and halos around lights (especially night driving)
• Double vision in one eye
• Faded/yellowed colors
• Frequent prescription changes

Treatment

Surgery is the only cure. Phacoemulsification: ultrasound breaks up cloudy lens, removed, replaced with clear intraocular lens (IOL). Outpatient, high success rate (>95%), rapid recovery.

Prevention (Risk Reduction)

• UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors
• Diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, omega-3s)
• Quit smoking
• Control blood sugar (diabetes)
• Regular eye exams after 40

Early surgery restores vision and quality of life.