What contributes to the formation of cataracts in the lens?

The formation of cataracts in the lens is primarily associated with the loss of fiber cells, which are the elongated cells that contain proteins called crystallins that make up the bulk of the lens. As people age or due to other factors, the fiber cells can become damaged or die, disrupting the clarity and transparency of the lens. This loss of fiber cells leads to changes in the lens's structure and composition, resulting in light scattering and the eventual opacification that is characteristic of cataracts.

While other factors like excessive sunlight exposure, increased fluid retention, and high cholesterol levels can influence eye health or contribute to various conditions, they are not the primary mechanisms that lead to cataract formation. Excessive sunlight exposure can cause damage to the lens, but this is more direct and often leads to problems like UV-induced changes rather than a direct loss of fiber cells. Thus, the elucidation of cataract development pertains primarily to the degradation of the lens's fiber cells over time.