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If not fixed by [[surgery]], some types of cataracts will cause [[blindness]] (which means you cannot see anything at all). In a simple [[operation]], the old lens can be replaced by a new plastic one. Many thousands of people have had this operation.

If not fixed by [[surgery]], some types of cataracts will cause [[blindness]] (which means you cannot see anything at all). In a simple [[operation]], the old lens can be replaced by a new plastic one. Many thousands of people have had this operation.

== Signs and symptoms ==

== Signs and symptoms ==

Cataracts develop gradually over time, so symptoms may not be immediately noticeable. However, as the condition progresses, the following signs and symptoms may become apparent:

Cataracts develop gradually over time, so symptoms may not be immediately noticeable. However, as the condition progresses, the following [[signs and symptoms]] may become apparent:

# '''Cloudy or Blurry Vision''': This is one of the most common symptoms of cataracts. Vision may become increasingly cloudy, hazy, or blurry, making it difficult to see clearly.

# '''Cloudy or Blurry Vision''': This is one of the most common symptoms of cataracts. Vision may become increasingly cloudy, hazy, or blurry, making it difficult to see clearly.

# '''Age''': Age-related changes in the lens structure are the most common cause of cataracts. As people age, the proteins in the lens can clump together, causing cloudiness and opacity.

# '''Age''': Age-related changes in the lens structure are the most common cause of cataracts. As people age, the proteins in the lens can clump together, causing cloudiness and opacity.

# '''UV Radiation''': Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight over the years can increase the risk of developing cataracts. Protecting your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays may help reduce this risk.

# '''UV Radiation''': Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight over the years can increase the risk of developing cataracts. Protecting your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays may help reduce this risk.

# '''Diabetes''': People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts due to changes in the metabolism of glucose within the eye, which can lead to clouding of the lens.

# '''Diabetes''': People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts due to changes in the [[metabolism]] of glucose within the eye, which can lead to clouding of the lens.

# '''Smoking and Alcohol Consumption:''' Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of cataracts. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but they may contribute to oxidative stress and damage to the lens.

# '''Smoking and Alcohol Consumption:''' Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of cataracts. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but they may contribute to oxidative stress and damage to the lens.

# '''Genetics''': Genetics can play a role in cataract development. Some people may inherit a predisposition to cataracts or have genetic conditions that increase their risk.

# '''Genetics''': Genetics can play a role in cataract development. Some people may inherit a predisposition to cataracts or have genetic conditions that increase their risk.

# '''Eye Trauma or Injury''': Trauma to the eye, such as blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries, can damage the lens and increase the risk of developing cataracts.

# '''Eye Trauma or Injury''': Trauma to the eye, such as blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries, can damage the lens and increase the risk of developing cataracts.

# '''Certain Medications''': Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or medications used to treat conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, may increase the risk of cataracts.

# '''Certain Medications''': Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or medications used to treat conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, may increase the risk of cataracts.

# '''Other Medical Condition'''s: Certain medical conditions, such as obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), and previous eye surgery, can increase the risk of cataracts.

# '''Other Medical Condition'''s: Certain medical conditions, such as obesity, hypertension ([[Hypertension|high blood pressure]]), and previous eye surgery, can increase the risk of cataracts.

# '''Congenital Factors''': Some infants are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood due to genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or other congenital conditions.

# '''Congenital Factors''': Some infants are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood due to genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or other congenital conditions.

File:Human eye cross-sectional view grayscale.png|Cross-sectional view, showing the position of the human lens

File:Human eye cross-sectional view grayscale.png|Cross-sectional view, showing the position of the human lens

File:Fetal cataract.ogv|Ultrasound scan of a unilateral cataract seen in a fetus at twenty weeks of pregnancy

File:Fetal cataract.webm|Ultrasound scan of a unilateral cataract seen in a fetus at twenty weeks of pregnancy

File:Cataract surgery.jpg|Cataract surgery, using a temporal-approach phacoemulsification probe (in right hand) and "chopper" (in left hand) being done under operating microscope at the U.S. Navy Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia

File:Cataract surgery.jpg|Cataract surgery, using a temporal-approach phacoemulsification probe (in right hand) and "chopper" (in left hand) being done under operating microscope at the U.S. Navy Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia