What is the pathophysiology of cataracts?

In age-related cataract, the pathogenesis of cataract development is multifactorial and includes the following factors: Compaction and stiffening of the central lens material (nuclear sclerosis) as new layers of cortical (outer lens) fibers continue to proliferate over time.

How are cataracts transmitted?

Cataracts do not “spread” from one eye to the other. Cataracts are not caused from over-using eyes. Cataracts are neither contagious nor related to cancer. There is no known means to reverse the clouding once it occurs.

What is deposited in cataract?

Nuclear sclerosis is the most common type of cataract, and involves the central or ‘nuclear’ part of the lens. This eventually becomes hard, or ‘sclerotic’, due to condensation on the lens nucleus and the deposition of brown pigment within the lens.

At what stage should a cataract be removed?

In most cases, you need surgery when blurry vision and other symptoms of a cataract starts to interfere with daily activities like reading or driving. There is no drug or eye drop to prevent or treat cataracts.

How quickly do cataracts get worse?

How quickly a cataract develops does vary based on the individual. In fact, cataract development speed can even vary between the eyes in the same person. Because most age-related cataracts typically develop over a span of years, it’s a relatively slow process.

Can cataracts spread from one eye to the other?

Cataracts can’t spread from one eye to another. But many people do get cataracts in both eyes. There are many types of cataracts: Age-related cataracts.

Which part of the eye is affected by cataract?

A cataract develops when the lens in your eye, which is normally clear, becomes foggy. For your eye to see, light passes through a clear lens. The lens is behind your iris (colored part of your eye).