A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil.
The lens works much like a camera lens.
It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye.
The lens adjusts the eye's focus as a camera lens would, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.
The lens is made of mostly water and protein.
The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps it clear and lets light pass through it.
As we age, some of protein will begin to clump together and cloud a small area of the lens.
The clump is a cataract and over time, may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it difficult to see.
That's when it is necessary to have cataract surgery in Utah or any other location where you live.
Specific types of proteins known as crystallins, cluster in abnormal ways to cause cloudiness in the lens, resulting in cataracts.
A recent study implies that fragmented versions of crystallins bind with normal proteins that are actually attempting to "chew up" and remove damaged crystalline proteins in the eye.
Unfortunately, the fragments remain and form cataracts.
There are three types of cataracts: oSub-capsular cataract begin to form at the back of the lens.
People with diabetes, extreme farsightedness or retinitis pigmentosa, or those taking high doses of steroids may develop sub-capsular cataract.
oNuclear cataract forms in the lens cortex.
The nucleus, the innermost part of the lens, is surrounded by softer material called, the cortex.
The lens is encased in a capsular-like bag and suspended within the eye by tiny "guy wires" called, zonules.
In young people, the lens changes shape to adjust for close or distance vision.
With age, the lens gradually hardens, diminishing the ability to readily adjust.
oCortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center.
Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts as well as sub-capsular cataracts.
Each condition requires cataract surgery in Utah.
Most candidates are older people as they reach the age of 60 and beyond.
Usually, cataracts are a gradual condition but over time, can be diagnosed by eye examines by an optical professional.
How cataracts form is still somewhat of a mystery but researchers are gradually identifying factors that may cause cataracts.
The research information may help scientists figure out how to prevent them.
Some eye care practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, may forestall cataract development.
Minimize eating salt which may increase the risk.
Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.
Exposure to lead may be a risk factor as well.
When symptoms begin to appear, using stronger glasses to aid magnification and appropriate lighting or other visual aids will help with eyesight.
When aids no longer help, cataract surgery in Utah may be necessary.