How can I explain cataracts to my son? His grandma is having an eye operation soon.
– Brennan
Tell your son that a cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that makes it seem like the person is always looking through a dirty, foggy window. The lens is normally made mostly of water and protein that is easy to look through, like a clear, clean window. As people get older, sometimes proteins in the lens stick together and form what is called a cataract. Surgery to remove cataracts is usually successful and sight is restored to what it was before the person had cataracts.
For more information, check out these articles:
Eyes
For Kids: Cataracts
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD
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Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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