What Is Cataract ?
Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. As the lens is no longer transparent, light cannot pass through it to reach the retina and vision deteriorates. In most cases cataract formation is simply a part of the ageing process like having grey hair. Rarely diabetes, eye injury or a predisposition in the patient’s family can cause cataract. Cataract is not a tumour or a film over the eye and is not caused by overusing the eye.
 

 


In a normal eye (above left) light from object X is focused onto the retina. Photo of normal transparent lens (above right).

  
 

 


In an eye with cataract (above left) light from object X cannot reach the retina. Photo of cloudy cataract lens (above right).

  

 

 
A spotty cataract in the lens This is a type found in younger patients This cataract was present at birth and was probably caused by a genetic disorder

 

The text, graphics, photographs and videos in this website are copyright © and may not be copied or reproduced without permission.
www.eyesite.org