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What are cataracts? -

Cataracts are generally painless, cloudy formations over the lens of an individual's eye. While cataracts aren't life-threatening, if left untreated they can cause life-altering vision loss.

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How common are cataracts? -

Cataracts become progressively more common in progressively older age groups. Around half of individuals over 80 years old either live with cataracts or have had cataract removal surgery. Generally, women are slightly more likely to develop cataracts than men.

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Different types of cataracts -

The lion's share of cataracts develop with age, but can also be caused by eye injury or other eye conditions such as glaucoma. Certain professions, like glass-blowing or welding, can lead to quicker cataract development if proper eye protection isn't used.

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Curious star-shaped cataracts -

Star-shaped cataracts, or stellate cataracts, are caused by electrical damage to the eye. These unique cataracts first bubble over the lens and then set in as curiously beautiful star shapes around the eye.

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Common symptoms -

The symptoms of cataracts can get worse as they develop, and at first might not even be noticeable. Often, these symptoms can also be falsely attributed to other conditions.

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Eyes in the clouds -

Cataracts often look cloudy, and it might seem surprisingly simple that they act like clouds, too. One tell-tale symptom of developing cataracts is inexplicably blurred or cloudy vision that worsens over time.

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Glasses roulette -

These changes also lead to a steady degradation in eyesight that many try to fix by changing their glasses or contact prescription. As cataracts develop, individuals can go through lens prescriptions that are deemed insufficient at dizzying rates.

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Cataract risk factors -

While age is the primary and inevitably increasing risk factor for cataracts, there are other factors at play as well.

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Diabetes -

The high blood sugar levels characteristic of diabetes can often lead to a quicker formation of cataracts in the eyes.

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Smoking and drinking -

Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol hastens the process of age-related macular degradation, or AMD, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing cataracts.

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Sun exposure -

Prolonged and direct exposure of the eyes to sunlight can often lead to the early onset of cataracts. Ultraviolet rays from the sun, the same that cause sunburn and skin cancer, can damage your eyes in much the same way.

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Steroid use -

Steroids are prescribed by medical professionals for all sorts of conditions, from asthma to eczema. Studies have shown a correlation between intense or prolonged use of steroids and the formation of cataracts.

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The true causes of cataracts -

Risk factors aside, experts also know exactly how cataracts form. Similar to most parts of the human body, the proteins and fibers of the eye's lens start to weaken and eventually break down over time. This degradation is the direct cause of cataracts.

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Cloudy with age -

In addition to the risk factors already discussed, the likelihood of developing cataracts can sometimes also be increased by inherited conditions. However, regardless of all these factors, age above anything else is responsible for the degradation of eye health and the forming of cataracts.

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Cataract prevention -

While there's not much anyone can do about getting older, there are many other ways to prevent or delay cataract development.

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Proper eye protection -

Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet rays is an imperative measure in the fight against cataracts. Make sure to always have a high quality pair of sunglasses when you're out and about.

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Cataract treatment -

While undergoing surgery is the only way to completely get rid of cataracts, there are a number of treatments that can slow cataracts' rate of development and can make living with cataracts easier.

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Home treatment -

Many adjustments can be made at home to make life with cataracts more manageable. Using brighter lights and keeping handy magnifying glasses around the house can help you stay well-equipped in the comfort of your own home.

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Proper eyeglasses -

While keeping up with cataracts can be hard, it's still incredibly important to maintain a proper eyeglasses prescription. Wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription will only make seeing more difficult, and the strain can even cause cataracts to grow faster.

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Surgery -

Surgery is the only surefire way to get rid of cataracts once and for all, and is widely recommended by experts and physicians.

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Is cataract surgery safe? -

While eye surgery might seem scary, it's an exceedingly safe procedure with virtually zero risks. Just under one in 1,000 cataract surgeries go awry, and seasoned surgeons rarely falter during the operation, so patients undergoing the procedure can usually rest assured.

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A routine procedure -

Cataract surgeries are exceedingly common everywhere in the world. Just under four million operations are conducted annually in the United States, seven million in Europe, and around 20 million worldwide.

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Stars with cataracts -

Being such a common and sometimes unavoidable condition, it's no surprise that numerous stars and historical figures have developed cataracts.

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Claude Monet -

The immensely influential French painter and founder of Impressionism Claude Monet lived with cataracts for many years. During the early 20th century, cataract surgery wasn't the safe and routine operation it is today, and Monet was understandably hesitant to risk his eyes, through which he saw the world and painted his masterpieces. Eventually, in 1922, Monet agreed to the procedure, and thankfully it was a success.

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Mila Kunis -

Actress Mila Kunis kept her cataract-induced partial blindness a secret until 2011. Kunis revealed that she had suffered from chronic eye inflammation, which quickly led to the development of a cataract, effectively blinding her in one eye. Finally, Kunis was able to have cataract surgery in 2010 and had her vision restored.

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John Goodman -

Famous for his roles in shows like 'Roseanne' and films like 1998's 'The Big Lebowski,' John Goodman took a break from acting and received much-needed cataract removal surgery in 2015.

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Joan Rivers -

The late iconic comedian and rabblerouser Joan Rivers was forced to undergo cataract surgery in the middle of a book tour in 2012, and had to wear an eyepatch for the remainder of the tour's public appearances. Thankfully, it was all worth it, and Rivers enjoyed unobstructed vision until her death in 2014.

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Larry King -

Longtime television talk show host Larry King received cataract removal surgery in 2009. In classic King fashion, the 'Larry King Live' host had his surgery filmed, and aired parts of it on his show in order to showcase the benefits of laser-assisted eye surgery.

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Matthew Wright -

English TV host Matthew Wright, famous for the sometimes controversial debate show 'The Wright Stuff,' developed congenital cataracts at a relatively young age. Wright underwent successful cataract surgery in 2013.

Sources: (National Institutes of Health) (American Academy of Ophthalmology) (Vision Scotland)

See also: Tips for eye health and maintaining good eyesight

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