CloseWhat is the lens?
The lens is a certain part of the eye which helps to focus the incoming light at one point of the retina. To create clear vision the lens must remain clear and transparent. The lens is found behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye and the pupil, the black area in the middle.
The lens is suspended in place by zonular fibres. The lens has three main parts: capsule, cortex and nucleus. The cortex encloses the nucleus which is surrounded by the capsule.
ReadWhat is a cataract?
The nucleus may become grey. This is often due to a cataract clouding an opaque area in the normally transparent nucleus. As the cataract becomes more opaque less light can penetrate the lens, therefore less reaches the iris which is the light sensitive part of the eye. Minor or early abnormality does not affect the eyesight however as it progresses symptoms of cataract become more obvious.
Cataracts do not spread from one eye to the other, although over time many individuals with a cataract in one eye usually go on to develop a cataract in the other eye. The exact cause of a cataract is unknown, however there are many factors known to contribute to cataract development. The leading factor found in cataract studies is age. Cataracts become more common as individuals grow older. Other significant risk factors include smoking, diabetes and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
ReadSymptoms of cataract
- Blurring and worsening of vision
- Dimming and fading of colours
- Sensitivity to bright lights e.g. Car headlights particularly blinding at night, halos often seen around lights
- Decreased night vision
- Double or multiple vision
- Dioptre of glasses or contact lenses change very often
Naturally, these symptoms may be associated with other eye diseases and not only with cataract. If you experience any of these symptoms you must consult your doctor. Symptoms may not be obvious during the early stages of this disease but as the cataract develops symptoms certainly will appear. Temporary remission is possible, but overall the eyesight will gradually worsen.
