Cataracts

The crystalline lens is near the front of the eye. In going from front to back, you have the cornea, the iris, and then the lens.  When you look through a microscope to look at skin cells, you can see all its structures. 

What is incredible about the lens, is that it is made up of living cells and yet we can see clearly through them.  The lens remains clear for most of our younger days, but over time it starts to become cloudy.  This results in hazy vision and glare problems.  Exposure to ultraviolet light, other forms of radiation and nutritional deficiencies along with just plain aging are known to be the cause.

Prevention
A balanced diet, UV protection and choosing not to smoke will certainly help to slow the process. There is a drop called, Homocysteine, which is being used in Europe.  Its efficacy has been questioned in North America. When the cataracts get to be troublesome, they are removed and replaced by an implant through micro-surgery.  Unfortunately, laser cannot remove this type of cataract.  If it grows back after surgery, then a YAG laser can be used to remove it.