Eye
Facts> Eye Diseases
Diseases & Conditions: Cataract
Overview
When cataracts are mentioned, people often think of a
film that grows on their eyes causing them to see double
or blurred images. However, a cataract does not form on
the eye, but rather within the eye.
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Eye without a cataract.
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Eye with a cataract.
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A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part
of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing
clear, sharp images. The lens is contained in a sealed
bag or capsule. As old cells die they become trapped within
the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate causing the
lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For
most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging.
In fact, they are the leading cause of visual loss among
adults 55 and older. Eye injuries, certain medications,
and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also
been known to cause cataracts.
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