The eyes, like the rest of the body, do not go untouched by the hands of time. As the body ages, once-clear lenses can begin to cloud, like eyeglasses fogged with steam.
Cataracts are painless and usually develop slowly over time.
Dr. Richard P. Mills, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Washington and clinic director of the UW Eye Center, explains cataracts develop due to the gradual deterioration of the clear proteins in the crystalline lens of the eye, which causes a change in clarity. In addition to aging, cataracts can be caused by problems such as diabetes, injury to the eye and medications. There are no ways to prevent cataracts from occurring, though avoiding prolonged, direct exposure to sunlight is recommended, says Mills. If you are out in direct sunlight, it is advisable to wear sunglasses that shield ultraviolet light. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, glare sensitivity, poor night vision, fading of colors and a need to frequently change eyeglass prescriptions.