How Cataracts Form in the Eye

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How Cataracts Form in the Eye
Dr. Phillip L. Carney, Jr.

A cataract is a defect in the natural crystalline lens of the eye.  This lens sits behind the iris (colored portion of the eye) and helps to focus images.  In the normal eye, this lens is clear and permits crystal clear images to retina (back portion of the eye).  When this lends becomes cloudy, discolored or frosted over, it’s called a cataract.  The most common form of cataract is age related.  Over time, due to the aging process and exposure to UV light, the lends becomes discolored or cloudy, and results in blurry vision, even with glasses.  Halos around lights, decreased night vision and needing more light to read can be symptoms of cataracts.

Other reasons cataracts might develop are injury to the eye, surgery to the eye, certain medications and diseases (i.e. diabetes).  Smoking has also been linked to early formation of cataracts, and unusually high exposure to UV rays (i.e. not wearing protective sun glasses) can promote early cataract development.  Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure performed in those over 50, and has an extremely high success rate.

Dr. Carney is available for all your eye care needs by appointment at Wallace Eye Associates by calling (318) 448-0221.