Final answer:
Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to reduced vision and are the leading cause of blindness, particularly in the elderly. Treatment is very effective through surgery, and prevention includes protecting eyes from UV exposure with plastic sunglasses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cataracts involve the clouding of the lens inside the eye which causes visual impairment. The lens is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, and when it becomes cloudy, it leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide and are especially prevalent among the elderly. It is a condition that can occur due to a variety of factors, including age, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and dietary deficiencies in vitamins such as A and C that protect the eye.
Treatment for cataracts typically involves the surgical replacement of the affected lens with an artificial plastic lens, which is a highly successful procedure granting restored vision. In terms of prevention, protecting the eyes from UV exposure with sunglasses, particularly those made of plastic which offer superior UV protection compared to glass lenses, can lessen the risk of developing cataracts.
To directly answer the student's question: Cataracts involve clouding of the cornea of the eyeball and is the leading cause of b. blindness.