What cataracts are, their symptoms, why they appear and how to prevent them
It is very common that before the 1940s our visual health tends to concern us rather little. Moreover, we do not usually take care of their care unless some eye problem can affect us, either because our eyes are irritated, we feel tired, or even because some vision defect has ended up "compelling" us to wear glasses.
But since visual problems tend to appear after that age, it is quite common for us to start worrying about our eyes and our vision when in reality it may be a bit late. In fact, it is usual that from this age on the first signs that warn of these problems tend to emerge, as for example it can be the case of the tired eyesight. 
Far from what we can think, taking care of our eyes does not only mean wearing glasses and correcting a certain visual alteration with the corresponding lenses. Although you may not believe it, there are diseases that affect the eyes whose symptoms are not at all alarming at first, but that with the passage of time can become a really serious problem for our vision.
This is the case, for example, of waterfalls, considered from a medical point of view as the first cause of blindness in the world, especially in developing countries. Moreover, it is estimated that it affects more than 50% of people over 65 years of age.
What are cataracts and what are their symptoms?
The cataract consists in the loss of transparency of the lens. And what is the lens? It is a structure that we find in the eye, which has a biconvex lens shape and is located behind the iris and in front of the vitreous humor.
It allows you to focus on objects that are located at different distances, by means of a decrease or a functional increase of both its thickness and its curvature. In fact, through it the rays of light pass until they reach the retina, where the images are formed.
For this reason, When there is cataract, the lens loses transparency, preventing the passage of light to the retina in a clear manner, so that the person suffering from this ocular condition tends to have a progressive loss of vision. 
Cataracts produce some very common symptoms and signs, such as: dull or blurred vision, sensation of flashes, poor vision at night, double vision or having the sensation of multiple images in the eye, flashes, the colors look discolored ... these symptoms it is advisable to visit the ophthalmologist quickly, which will help detect it and indicate if the treatment by ultrasound is the most appropriate and when.
What are your causes? Why is it produced and why does it appear?
As we indicated, the cataract occurs when the crystalline lens loses transparency, becoming opaque and not allowing light to pass well, so that vision is lost, which becomes even more serious over the years and when it is not treated medically.
When the person ages the lens tends to become more opaque. So, Aging is the first cause of cataract, but unlike what you really think is not the only one.
For example, the cataract may be congenital, which means it occurs from birth. But there are other causes as well: diseases of the body that affect vision such as diabetes, eye diseases, the consumption of certain drugs, genetic factors or some traumatisms. 
Can it be prevented? How?
Although the cataract produced by aging can not be prevented, it is possible to avoid its appearance when there are some pathologies or diseases that can influence its occurrence.
It is essential to control blood glucose levels, since diabetes is a direct cause of the appearance of cataract, since high blood sugar levels severely affect the health of our eyes (as occurs with other organs of the body).
On the other hand, we must always protect our eyes from the sun, using sunglasses with UVA / UVB protection at any time of year (not only in summer), and reduce sun exposure, opting for wide-brimmed hats or caps.
In addition, starting at age 45 it is advisable go to the ophthalmologist's office to detect it early through periodic eye exams.
This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesDiseases of the eyes Eyes
