A cataract is the clouding or yellowing of the natural which causes a decrease in vision or, if left untreated complete, eventual blindness.

1. Facts about Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding or
yellowing of the natural which
causes a decrease in vision or, if
left untreated complete, eventual
blindness.
Here are some facts about
cataracts:
• It is an ancient disease and the
word cataract eye drops is a part
of the English language since the 16th century.
• Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults aged 55 and older
and the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
• There are estimated to be almost 18 million people who are bilaterally
blind from cataract.
• There are many types of cataracts, but the majority of people develop
nuclear cataracts which are a natural result of the aging process.
• Acquired cataracts account for over 99% of all cataracts. Congenital
cataracts account for less than 1%.
• The cause of the cataract is also frequently used to classify them.
• Most commonly, cataracts are related to increasing age but also can
occur in childhood.
• Other causes of this condition are; metabolic and nutritional
abnormalities, drugs, trauma, radiation exposure and inflammation.
• Risk factors that accelerate this condition include; diabetes, injuries of the
eye, smoking and radiation.
• Women are at higher risk of developing cortical and nuclear cataracts
then men.
• One way to restore vision is to remove the opaque or clouded lens
surgically and replace it with a new manmade intra-ocular lens. In adults, the
procedure can generally be done under local anesthetic and takes around half
an hour to do.
• The day after surgery most patients find their sight returning within
minutes of the dressing being removed.