What causes cataracts in the eye?

Cataracts primarily occur due to changes in the lens of the eye, leading to a clouding or fogging that obstructs visibility. As people age, proteins in the lens may begin to break down and clump together, which results in a gradual loss of transparency. This process is often influenced by factors such as genetics, long-term exposure to sunlight, and other environmental factors, but fundamentally, the cataract formation is a direct result of structural changes within the lens itself.

Understanding that cataracts essentially involve the lens becoming opaque helps clarify their nature. The lens is normally clear, allowing light to pass through it easily. When cataracts develop, the lens becomes increasingly blurry, which impacts a person's ability to see clearly. This interplay of age-related changes signifies why recognizing the fogging of the lens as the root cause of cataracts is crucial for understanding this common eye condition.

Although sunlight exposure and other factors may contribute to cataract development, the direct mechanism leading to their formation centers on the physical alterations within the lens that result in cloudiness.