Emerging Infectious Diseases

Cataract

A cataract is  clouding of  lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision.  Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. Poor vision may also result in an increased risk of falling and depression. Risk factors may include diabetes, smoking, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. Other factors that can increases risk of developing cataracts because of cigarette smoke, air pollution, and heavy alcohol consumption. Prevention by wearing sunglasses and avoiding smoking. Early on the symptoms may be improved with eyeglasses. If this does not help, surgery has to done to  remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens is the only effective treatment.