What is a Cataract

A cataract may occur in one or both eyes, resulting in the clouding of the eye’s lens. This clouding of the lens, affecting vision, is primarily related to aging. It is noted by the National Eye Institute, more than 50% of Americans over the age of 80 will have developed a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Though there are exceptions regarding types of cataracts, the most common is age‐related.

Understanding the Eye’s Lens

Responsible for assisting the retina by focusing lights and images, the eye lens rests near the front, center of the eye known as the anterior segment. As the front third of the eye, the anterior segment  includes the cornea, iris, ciliary body and lens. Working along with the iris to convey lights and images to the retina, the lens is able to change shape (much like that of a focus lens on a camera) for focus and clarity, allowing the retina to receive an image, sharp, clear, and in focus. For the retina to receive the image information as sharp and clear, the lens must be clear.

Think for a moment about a camera. If the lens of the camera is foggy or out of focus when a picture is taken, the image captured in the photograph will be foggy or out of focus as well. When your eye’s lens is clear, the image is conveyed to the retina clearly, at which time (like the snapping of a photograph), the retina converts the image to nerve information, which is sent to the brain. The picture has been taken, and the brain understands the image, resulting in a clear picture.

Types of Cataracts

Though the primary type of cataract is age related, there are 4 other classifications by which cataracts are identified.

1. Secondary Cataract: Unrelated directly to age, secondary cataracts may develop post‐operation for other eye problems like glaucoma. This type of cataract may develop as a result of an Individuals health problem or diabetic condition. In some cases, secondary cataracts have been linked to the use of steroids.
2. Traumatic Cataract: It is possible for the eye to develop a traumatic cataract after an eye injury. The cataract caused by injury to the eye may last for several years.
3. Congenital Cataract: Congenital cataract occurs when a child is born with or develops cataracts in early childhood. In the situation of congenital cataract, it is common for both eyes to develop cataracts. Often the cataracts are small and do not affect vision, however in the event the child’s vision is affected, treatment of the cataracts may include removal of the lens.
4. Radiation Cataract: Linked to the exposure of certain types of radiation, cataracts may form resulting in radiation cataracts.