A Brief Overview of Cataract Causes and Treatment

Cataract surgery may be necessary to resolve this common eye problem. Learn typical causes and treatment options to help you decide how you should proceed. 

Light rays pass through the eyes to reach the lens. From there, the image moves into the optic nerve and to the part of the brain that processes images. When someone has cataracts, protein accumulates in the lens, and the cloudiness makes it difficult for light to pass through the lens, which results in vision loss. Cataract surgery is a common treatment option for this issue.

Causes

As people age, they often develop cataracts. Congenital conditions can also be a cause for this eye problem, resulting in the early onset of symptoms. Diabetes, exposure to radiation and ultraviolet light, and exposure to substances or drugs can also exacerbate the issues. Sometimes a traumatic injury can cause cataract symptoms.

Typical Treatment Options

After diagnosis, a patient will be presented with treatment options. Sometimes a simple change in eyeglass prescription can be effective for reducing symptoms. If new eyeglasses do not relieve the symptoms, cataract surgery may be necessary. This surgical procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.

People experiencing difficulty with cloudy vision should consult a physician to receive a diagnosis and treatment options.