Cataract

The lens of the eye, the part that helps focus light onto the retina which in turn sends the visual signals to the brain, is made mostly of water and protein. When too much protein builds up, it clouds the lens blocking some of the light and impairing vision. That protein buildup is the formation of a cataract. It is not a growth, but rather a clouding or hazing of the lens. Hazy or blurred vision may indicate a cataract.

Causes of the cataracts

• Cataracts occur as a person ages, called age-related cataracts.
• Cataracts can also result from a variety of environmental conditions
• Some babies are born with cataracts, called congenital cataracts.
• Family history of cataracts
• Smoker or former smoker
• Grossly over- or underweight
• Diabetes
• Have taken steroids or certain other medications
• Suffered a blunt or penetrating eye injury
• Excessive, long exposure to UV light
• Has taken steroids or certain other medications