LASIK and Eye Surgery Blog - Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center

Sunday, January 17, 2010

San Diego Residents ask: What are Cataracts and How do they Form?

At ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center, we treat many cataract patients from Del Mar, Mission Valley and all over San Diego. A common question cataract patients ask is what are cataracts and how do they form.

We start by explaining how the eye works. The lens of the eye works much like a camera’s lens works. As light enters the eye, the lens focuses the light onto the retina so you are able to see objects clearly both close by and far away.

As we age, the protein component of the lens may begin to clump together and form what looks like a cloudy area. This cloudy area is called a cataract and as the area expands it becomes harder for you to see clearly.

It is not yet known why the natural lens of the eye changes as we age or why cataracts develop. However, research has found that certain cataract risk factors in recent years. Some factors include:

• Exposure to ultraviolet light, radiation and/or air pollution
• The use of steroid medications
• Diabetes
• Diets high in salt
• Smoking and/or heavy drinking

If you have questions on cataracts or cataract surgery, contact us at ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center or become a fan of ours on Facebook.

Labels: cataract surgery, San Diego cataracts