An Introduction to Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

Has your vision become dim or hazy? This can be signs of cataract says

What Is a Cataract?

The cataract is progressive cloudiness, hardening, and yellowing of the otherwise transparent lens of the eyes. Approximately 50% of the Americans have or will have had the cataract surgery by the age of 80.

For understanding more about cataracts, it’s important to understand the parts of our eyes which include the function and location of the lens. The lens is composed of the transparent, flexible tissue and is directly located behind the iris and pupil. Just like the lens of a camera, the lens in the eye helps in focusing light and images on the retina which is light-sensitive tissue lining the inside surface of the eye best eye care specialist in MI 48144.

Nerve cells present in the retina convert the incoming light into electrical impulses. These electrical impulses are carried by the optic nerve to the brain. The brain finally interprets them as visual images.

During the time of birth, the natural lens is clear and flexible. The lens becomes rounded to focus on near objects and thinner to focus on objects that are far away. However, after the age of 40, two significant changes taking place in the lens:

The lens not only becomes less flexible but also begins to harden and lose the ability to become more curved. As a result, it becomes difficult to focus on the near images.

• The lens becomes less flexible

• The lens gradually changes color

The lens changes its color over the period of time and becomes yellowish or brown. They are no longer transparent and acquire a brownish tint making it difficult to tell the difference between certain colors such as navy blue, black, brown, purple, or green.

How Do Cataracts Affect Everyday Activities?

Cataracts can lead to an overall blurring of the vision and everything that they look appears hazy, cloudy, and washed out. The lack of detail makes it difficult to read, watch, walk and see the food on a plate.