Silmaläätse

Silmaläätse, commonly known as a cataract, is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is normally clear and helps to focus light onto the retina, allowing us to see sharp images. When a cataract forms, the lens becomes cloudy, scattering light and making vision blurry or hazy. This can affect color perception, making colors appear faded, and can lead to increased sensitivity to glare from lights.

Cataracts develop gradually and are often a normal part of aging. Most cataracts are caused by changes in the proteins within the lens. Other factors that can contribute to cataract formation include diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, certain medications like corticosteroids, and eye injuries. In some cases, cataracts can be present at birth, known as congenital cataracts.

The progression of cataracts varies from person to person. Initially, symptoms may be mild and can often be managed with updated eyeglass prescriptions or improved lighting. However, as the cataract progresses, vision loss can become more significant, impacting daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

The primary treatment for a cataract that significantly impairs vision is surgery. Cataract surgery is a common and highly successful procedure where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure restores clear vision for most patients. Early detection and regular eye examinations are important for monitoring the development of cataracts and determining when intervention may be necessary.