Clinical Definition

Normally, the lens in the eyes are clear or transparent. However, a cataract is an abnormal clouding or opacity of the eye’s crystalline lens. The opacity can lead to a decrease in vision and possibly blindness.

Cataracts are thought to develop as a result of age-related degenerative alterations to the proteins in the lens. Smoking, diabetes and steroid use may also be contributing factors to the development of cataracts.

In Our Own Words

Cataracts are a common eye condition, and most cases develop over time due to aging. The lens of the eye is made up of water and proteins. As people grow older, changes to the proteins may take place. These changes involve the proteins sticking together, which leads to cataract formation. The lens of the eye then becomes clouded, and vision decreases.

Additional factors that may cause cataracts include diabetes, smoking and steroid use. Other forms of cataracts may also occur, including congenital cataracts and traumatic cataracts. Treatment may involve surgery, depending on how badly the cataracts impair a person’s vision or impact activities.