What is cataract? And how does it happen?

Question

I need either somebody who experienced it or somebody who really knows about it, write to me, please.

Answer 1

9.11.06

What is Cataract? And How Does It Happen?

What is Cataract?
- Cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.

How Does Cataract Happen?
- As you age the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less transparent and thicker. The lens is made mostly of water and protein fibres. The protein fibres are arranged in a precise manner that makes the lens clear and allows the light to pass through without interference. With aging the composition of the lens undergoes changes and the structure of the protein fibres breaks down. Some of the fibres begin to clump together, clouding small areas of the lens. As the cataract continues to develop, the clouding becomes denser and involves a greater part of the lens.
- Scientists do not know why a lens changes with age. One possibility is damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Smoking and exposure to UV light are 2 sources of free radicals. General wear and tear on the lens over the years also may cause the changes in protein fibres.
- Some people are born with cataracts or develop them during chilhood. Such cataracts may be the result of the mother having contracted German measles (rubella) during pregnancy. They may also be due to metabolic disorders.

Please contact me if you need any further information.

Answer 2

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.

You need to see an eye specialist, its a very common and easy operation to remove it. You can read a lot on the net. Here is just one of many sources:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm