Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, especially among adults over 60. Understanding what cataracts are, how they develop, and how they’re treated can help you make informed decisions about your eye health.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. The lens works like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, it interferes with clear vision.
Causes of Cataracts
Most cataracts are related to aging. As we get older, proteins in the lens begin to clump together, forming cloudy areas. Other factors that can contribute include:
- UV light exposure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Certain medications (especially steroids)
- Eye injuries
- Family history
Treatment
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. Our surgeons at Beacon Eye Institute use modern, minimally invasive techniques to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).
If you are experiencing any changes in your vision, contact us at (408) 272-3706 to schedule an evaluation.