MAIN Health Eye Care Cataracts

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Although the human eye lens is clear and transparent in its normal state, it may become partially or totally clouded as people age, or under certain disease conditions ( like diabetes ).

The eye lens is made up mostly of water and protein, but sometimes the proteins begin to clump together, causing whitish discoloration and preventing light from reaching the retina. This clouding is called a cataract.

In many patients, cataracts can appear slowly and remain unchanged for years. In rarer cases, the condition can worsen progressively over a period of a few short weeks

In most mild cataract cases, corrective measures including the use of anti-glare corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses are usually prescribed. Surgery is usually recommended only after a cataract begins to interfere with normal, everyday activities.

Microsurgery has become a successful procedure for cataracts, as the lens is painlessly removed and replaced with an artificial lens transplant. The operation is usually done on an outpatient basis, with an eye covering worn for a brief period to allow the eye to heal properly.

Elsewhere on the Web, learn more about the signs and symptoms of cataracts including when to seek treatment, facts on other options your doctor may prescribe, information on nutritional & alternative treatments, as well as general eye disease risk factors and ways to prevent the onset of cataracts ...

Cataracts - Excellent online tutorial from the Mayo Clinic with pictures & information describing signs & symptoms, screening and diagnosis procedures, related treatments, known causes, risk factors and tips on prevention.

Cataracts - National Eye Institute - Step-by-step guide to the topic with facts & information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pre-surgical, surgical and post-surgical procedures, brief information on related research and links to further information.

Cataract Surgery in Adults - Good discussion on why you may need to have a cataract operation, how the procedure is performed, what to expect before and after surgery, including related links.

All About Cateracts and Alternative Treatments - Information on causes, symptoms and possible environmental factors related to cataract development, as well as research studies on nutritional and vitamin supplements shown to protect the eyes against risk.

Nutrition and Cataracts - Yahoo! Health guide to the topic with a discussion on current research showing possible beneficial effects of lutein and zeaxanthin, and vitamins C & E, with related charts illustrating good food sources by serving size, with references and links to more information on traditional cataract treatment and surgery.

Eye Care News - What Causes Cataracts? - A review of studies showing a strong genetic link and what it may mean for future treatment, with related links to more on nutritonal supplements, traditional lens implants, and a special look at cataract surgery for diabetic patients.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.