Cataract by Definition
Simply put, a cataract is a "clouding" of the lens in your eye.
The lens, located just behind the iris, or the colored part of
your eye, works like the lens of a camera. It picks up images,
then focuses the lights, colors, and shapes on the retina - the
transmitter located at the back of your eye that sends the
images to your brain.
Cataract - As light passes through the cataractous lens,
it is
diffused or scattered. The result is blurred or defocused
vision.
The human lens, made mostly of protein and water, can become
clouded--so clouded it keeps light and images from reaching the
retina. Eye injury, certain diseases, or even some medications
can cause the clouding. But, in over 90% of cases, clouding is
caused by the aging process.¹
A cataract can be the reason sharp images become blurred, or
seeing things at night is more difficult. It may also be why the
eyeglasses or contact lenses that used to help you read, or do
other simple tasks, no longer seem to help.
What a Cataract Is Not
A cataract is not a "film" over the eye, and neither diet nor
lasers will make it go away. The best way to treat a cataract is
to remove the old, clouded lens and provide a replacement.
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