Why are they called cataracts?

Sometimes cataracts can be seen as a milkiness on the normally black pupil. In ancient times, it was believed this cloudiness was caused by a waterfall - or cataract - behind the eye.

Who gets cataracts?

Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age of 55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people, including newborns.

What causes cataracts?

It is known that a chemical change within the eye causes the lens to become cloudy. The change may be due to advancing age or it may be the result of heredity, an injury or a disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet or infrared radiation present in sunlight or from furnaces, cigarette smoking and/or the use of certain medications are also cataract risk factors. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, often at different rates.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming.