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A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. When a person has cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it harder to read, drive a car (especially at night), or see the expression on a friend's face.
Most cataracts develop slowly and you won’t notice much change in your vision at first. However, over time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.
At first, better lighting and glasses may help you deal with your cataracts. But when vision begins to interfere with normal activities, you may need cataract surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.
Symptoms
Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up your eye's lens. Some cataracts are caused by inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems and increase your risk of cataracts.
As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less transparent and thicker. Age-related changes to the lens of the eye causes tissues to break down and clump together clouding small areas of the lens. As the cataract develops, the clouding becomes denser and involves a greater part of the lens.
You should see a doctor if you begin to notice any changes in your vision. If you develop sudden vision changes, such as double vision or blurriness, see your doctor right away.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
To give your eyes the best protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, always wear quality sunglasses when you are outside. Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays.
Try at least one pair of sunglasses with large lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style. These will give your eyes the most protection.
The amount of UV protection sunglasses provide isn’t related to what the color or darkness of the lenses. A light amber-colored lens can provide the same UV protection as a dark gray lens.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days along with sunglasses can also help to reduce your eyes' exposure to UV rays by up to 50 percent.
Remember to wear sunglasses even when you're in the shade. Even though shade reduces your UV exposure to some degree, your eyes will still be exposed to UV rays reflected from buildings, roadways and other surfaces.
Don’t be afraid to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Just remember to protect yourself with the right eye and skin protection to reduce your UV exposure.