Cataracts Of The Eye – Who Is Most At Risk
Cataracts are the most common reason why people have a reduced level of vision. It is generally associated with getting old but this is not completely true. This article will discuss what cataracts are and who is most at risk of getting cataracts.
The development of cataracts occurs when the lenses in the eyes become cloudy. Generally, the cataracts in each eye develop at a different pace meaning that one eye will have better vision than the other. It is possible to treat the eyes provided the problem is caught early enough.
A lens in a healthy eye is made up of a transparent protein that allows light to pass through it and refract onto the retina. From the retina the image is passed by the optic nerve to the brain where it is interpreted and given a meaning. In the case of a lens that has a cataract, the cells that make up the protein begin to lose strength. This causes the overall shape of the lens to change and concentrations of protein will join together. This has the affect of making areas within the lenses cloudy and distort vision.
If this process goes undetected, more of the protein will come together making more of the lens cloudy. Eventually the lens will become completely cloudy and no light can pass through it. This will cause blindness in the person.
Cataracts develop because of the unique configuration of the lens. The lens has no direct blood supply like other parts of the body. Rather it relies on the aqueous humor in the eyeball and behind the lens. The aqueous humor provides the lens with nourishment and antioxidants.
Cataracts will develop in the lens because of damage caused by free radicals. And because the lens has no blood supply it cannot replenish the cells in the lenses as effectively as other parts of the body. Free radicals react with the cells of the body causing them to decay or breakdown. The body’s reaction to free radicals is thought to lead to diseases like cancer occurring. In the case of the lens, the result is a cataract.
Free radicals are thought to be created by the foods we consume. However there are many of ways that they can enter the body. A leading cause is exposure to sunlight. More free radicals build up in the body as we get older leading to more and more cell damage. In the case of the eyes, this is why we associate cataracts with old age. However there are many other factors that can increase the risk of cataracts developing.
Exposure to sunlight, or rather the ultraviolet light in sunlight, creates free radicals that damage the lens. Thus the importance of good sunglasses can’t be stressed enough, especially if you live in a climate that has plenty of days of sunlight. Or if you work outdoors.
A poor diet and a poor digestive system will cause a build up of free radicals. Avoid eating poor quality food, like foodstuff cooked in saturated and trans fats. They are thought to increase the build up of free radicals. If you have digestion problems, like indigestion, acid reflux, bloating or constipation then eat more fiber.
Smoking is also thought to increase the chances of getting cataracts.
Contracting other diseases can increase the chance of developing cataracts. For instance diabetes weakens the nervous system and circulation of the body. this can lead to problems with the eyes, particularly cataracts.
Whilst it is true that old age does increase the chances of developing cataracts, you can prevent this occurring if you follow some of the tips listed above.
