katarakteve

Katarakteve, commonly known as cataracts, refers to the clouding of the lens in the eye. This clouding obstructs the passage of light, leading to a gradual decline in vision. The lens, normally clear, is located behind the iris and pupil. Its function is to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye, enabling clear vision. When cataracts develop, the normally transparent lens becomes opaque, scattering light and making it difficult to see clearly.

The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As people age, the proteins within the lens begin to break down and clump together, forming cloudy areas. Other contributing factors include diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, certain medications like corticosteroids, and eye injuries. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have also been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts.

Symptoms of cataracts typically develop slowly and include blurred or hazy vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light and glare, seeing "halos" around lights, and frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. In advanced stages, the pupil may appear milky white.

Diagnosis of cataracts is usually made through a comprehensive eye examination, including vision tests and an examination of the lens using a slit lamp. Treatment for cataracts depends on the severity of vision impairment. For mild cataracts, stronger eyeglasses or brighter lighting may be sufficient. However, when cataracts significantly interfere with daily activities, surgery is the most effective treatment. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is generally safe and highly effective in restoring vision.