The Main Risk Factors For Cataracts Of The Eye

Cataracts are one of the major causes of loss of vision. Most people think of cataracts as an old persons disease but this is not strictly true. This article will cover what causes the condition and who is most likely to get cataracts.

The characteristic of a cataract in the eye is when the lens becomes cloudy. Normally, cataracts will develop in both eyes however they may develop at different paces which means that one eye will have better vision than the other. In most cases, if cataracts are identified early in their development the eyes can be treated successfully.

The lens in an eye is just like the lens you would find on a camera. It allows light to pass through and focuses the light at the back of the eye on the retina. The retina passes this information to the optic nerve that sends it to the brain for interpretation. In humans, the lens is formed from a transparent protein. Cataracts develop when the cells that make up the transparent protein lose their rigidity and start to drift. This often results in a noticeable change in a person's vision. Over time the drifting cells tend to congregate together forming a thick concentration of protein cells. This has the affect of making the lenses opaque or cloudy in these areas. this can affect the ability of the lens to do it's job.

As the problem continues without treatment, more of the protein will join together making the lens completely clouded. Light will not pass through to the retina and the person will be blind. Again, this is preventable if treated in time.

Cataracts occur because of the nature of the lens. It is unlike most other parts of the body because it does not have a direct blood supply that nourishes the lens and keeps it healthy. Instead it gets it's nourishment from the aqueous humor that is located behind the lens in the eyeball.

Cataracts will develop in the lens because of damage caused by free radicals. And because the lens has no blood supply it cannot replenish the cells in the lenses as effectively as other parts of the body. Free radicals react with the cells of the body causing them to decay or breakdown. The body's reaction to free radicals is thought to lead to diseases like cancer occurring. In the case of the lens, the result is a cataract.

Free radicals enter the body in many ways. For instance sunlight is a cause of free radicals. The types of foods that we eat also introduce free radicals into the body. As we get older the free radicals will build up and have more affect on the body. This is partly why people get cataracts as they get older. However there are a number of other risk factors which predispose people to getting cataracts.

Exposure to sunlight, or rather the ultraviolet light in sunlight, creates free radicals that damage the lens. Thus the importance of good sunglasses can't be stressed enough, especially if you live in a climate that has plenty of days of sunlight. Or if you work outdoors.

Poor nutrition and/or poor digestion of the foods that are eaten. Poor quality foods can introduce all kinds of free radicals. Being unable to metabolize the foods also keeps free radicals in the system.

Smoking is another activity that can increase the risk of getting cataracts.

Other types of diseases, like diabetes for example, weaken the circulation of blood in the eyes and can lead to cataracts developing in the lenses.

Whilst it is true that old age does increase the chances of developing cataracts, you can prevent this occurring if you follow some of the tips listed above.

Get more details on cataracts, like the main causes of cataracts and the symptoms of cataracts at eyecareinsight.com.

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The Main Risk Factors For Cataracts Of The Eye
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