Cataracts are a condition that clouds the lens of the eye leading to decreased vision. There are many factors that cause cataracts but the most common is aging, even blunt trauma can cause cataracts due to swelling and thickening of the lens fiber. Cataracts can also develop after long and constant exposure to radiation. Genetics may also play a role in the development of the condition. The most common symptoms of cataracts are blurred or blurred vision, faded colors, poor night vision, double vision, or multiple visions in one eye. The clouding of the lens reduces the sharpness of the image that reaches the retina. The lens may also turn yellowish/brown and add a brown cast to images. If the infected eye is not treated properly it can cause blindness. Statistics Cataracts in people over the age of 80 are very common. In the United States, more than half of that age group has cataracts or has had cataract surgery. Although the condition is worse in older age, cataracts mostly develop in the 40s and 50s, but they are small and do not affect vision. People who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Smoking and exposure to chemicals and other illnesses can also cause cataracts. The condition can be detected through visual acuity tests that measure how well the eye sees the image at various distances. A dilated eye exam and tonometry may also be performed to check certain eye conditions. Cataracts are not fatal but if left untreated they can lead to blindness. History Cataracts have existed for centuries, the first documented case was a small statue with a white spot carved into the pupil in Cairo around 2457-2467 BC Couching was the first procedure to treat ...... middle of the sheet ...... hey it can also help to apply the medicine to prevent the eye from getting infected. What I Learned I learned that cataracts can affect anyone and that there are many ways the condition can develop. It is interesting to learn that couching was not debunked as an unscientific method of treating cataracts in China until 1900. It is also interesting to note that most people over the age of 80 have cataracts or have had cataract surgery cataract. Works Cited http://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-History.aspx http://www.mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/basics/definition/con-20015113 https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asphttp://lirnproxy.museglobal.com/MuseSessionID=e9e12a99a34bd937364f1d3da84fd769/MuseProtocol=http /MuseHost=go.galegroup.com/MusePath/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GALE%7CA218203872&v=2.1&u=lirn43170&it=r&p=HRCA&sw=w&authCount=1