CataractWhat is cataract? A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Its effect on vision depends on the amount of opacity. Small spots on the lens can cause little or no vision loss. As the cloudiness thickens, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Early changes or cloudiness of the lens may not disturb your vision. But as the lens continues to change, several specific symptoms appear including blurred vision; sensitivity to light and glare; increased myopia; or distorted images in both eyes may develop. Cataracts are usually associated with aging. As a person ages, the lens becomes less flexible and loses some of its ability to focus light on the retina. As the lens becomes harder, it tends to develop cataracts. Eventually the cataract may turn milky white and fill the lens. The patient is then considered blind. Doctors don't know how to prevent or treat most types of cataracts. But surgery to remove the diseased lens can improve vision for most cataract patients. After such surgery, some patients. After such surgery, some patients must wear sturdy glasses or contact lenses to see well enough to perform normal activities. In most cases, however, surgeons replace the diseased lens with a plastic intraocular lens. A patient receiving an intraocular lens may or may not need glasses or contact lenses to see well. Physiology of a normal system The eye normally consists of a lens located behind the iris, the colored part of the eye, and the pupil, the dark center. of the eye. Small ligaments, called zonules, support the lens capsule with...... middle of paper ...... hopefully help other older people understand the signs and symptoms to look for cataracts and the ways in which cataracts can be prevented. About half of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, 70% of those older than 75, have cataracts (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, 1995, 3). Bibliography: American Academy of Ophthalmolgy. (1996-1997). Eye net. Eye conditions and diseases. 1-11, http://www.eyenet.org/public/faqs/cataract/cat_prevention.html.Larson, D. E. (1996). Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 2nd ed. 238-239, 266,553-556. Long B., Phipps W., Cassmeyer V. (1993). Medical Surgical Nursing, 3rd Ed.1313.Mayo Clinic Health Letter. (October 1995). Vision and your eyes. 1-8.Miller, M. (July 1996). Your aging eyes. Better homes and gardens. 46, 48,50-51. Wilson, K. (March 1996). Weight and see. Prevention. 26, 28, 30.