What is Cataract

• Health, Eye Disease
• 01 Comments

Cataracts aren't a single condition within the eye, but rather a clouding of the normally clear lens. This lens focuses light onto the retina, and when cataracts develop, vision becomes blurred, hazy, and colors appear faded. While not a disease of the fundus (the back of the eye), cataracts can make examining the fundus challenging.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss globally, affecting hundreds of millions. Age is the biggest risk factor, with cataracts forming naturally as we get older. Injuries, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes can also accelerate their development.

Fortunately, cataract treatment is highly successful. It's a surgical procedure where the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. This outpatient surgery is relatively quick, with minimal discomfort. Following the procedure, most patients experience a significant improvement in vision, often regaining the ability to see colors vividly and details clearly.

The global burden of cataracts is immense. According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people have vision impairment, with cataracts being responsible for over half of those cases. Many lack access to proper healthcare, leading to needless vision loss. Thankfully, initiatives are underway to increase access to cataract surgery, particularly in developing countries.

By understanding cataracts and the effective treatments available, we can ensure more people around the world can experience the joy of clear vision.