When your vision becomes cloudy, usually because of age, it may be caused by cataracts. The main effect of cataracts is blurred vision. So what is cataract and how it developed? The word cataract derives from the Latin word that means cascading waterfall. It is metaphorically imported into the modern English for the blurring of the eyes.

So what is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding over the lens of the eye, mainly because of age, except for a small percentage of other secondary reasons such as diabetes, exposure to ultraviolet light and so on U.S. The National Institute of Health and National Eye Institute have estimated that more than half of Americans over 80 will develop cataracts or have already developed them.

If you do not know already, cataracts do not spread from eye to eye, but it can happen in one or both eyes.

What are the causes of developing cataracts?

More age-related cataracts develop either of the two ways mentioned here.

First, Clumping of the protein is one of the main reasons for clouding of the eye lens. This happens when the proteins of the eye begins to denature as a result of aging. The person can't tell when the cataract is small, but when it grows and spreads, the sight is deteriorated. Temporarily, glasses and improvement in the lighting can help to cope until the surgery is an absolute necessity.

Second, with the aging of the lens, it gradually loses its clarity and may develop a shade of yellow or brown. As for the protein-induced cataracts, you may you not be able to tell the difference at first. But with the passage of time and increased browning, reading and routine activities become difficult.

How do I know if I have cataracts?

Cataracts do not show signs until they are some what developed. However, these are the symptoms.

1. Faded colors and blurred vision.
2. Poor night vision, but the headlights and sunlight may appear too light with a halo around the source.
3. Temporary double or multiple visions that are allowed, such as cataract develops further.
4. Frequent need to change contact lenses or glasses.

Who is at risk? Should we worry?

Those who consume large amounts of alcohol or those who are exposed to UV radiation over a long period are at risk of developing cataracts. Even diabetics face the same risks. If you feel that you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit your ophthalmologist for screening.