Cataracts are developmental or degenerative opacities of the lens of the eye, generally characterised by a gradual painless loss of vision. The extent of the vision loss depends on the size and location of the cataract.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, and the cause of impaired vision, with a large percentage of the elderly population exhibiting some signs of this eye lesion. By 2007-8 the NZ Ministry of Health performed 12,000 operations, a 50% increase since 2005. I’m not sure of the prevalence of cataracts with the different age groups in NZ or Australia, but American, age related lens changes have been reported in 425 of those between 52 and 64, 60 per cent between the ages of 65 and 74 and an amazing 91 per cent of those between 75 and 85.
The main articles explains what they are, what one can do to prevent, orthodox and preventative methods along with recommended solutions.