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CataractHow to Say It: KAT-ah-rakt
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. This makes it hard for a person to see. It gets worse over time.
CausesCataracts happen when proteins break down in the lens. Aging is the most common cause. Other causes are:
Some children are born with cataracts. They may also be found in babies and older children. This is rare. Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsA person may not have symptoms in the early stages. As the cataract gets worse, problems may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. This is often enough to suspect the diagnosis. An eye exam will be done by a doctor who treats eye problems. The doctor will use special tools and tests to check the health of the eyes. This is enough to make the diagnosis. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to improve vision. Some people may be able to manage symptoms with updated eyeglasses. However, surgery is the only way to remove a cataract that is causing problems. It removes a cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one. PreventionTo lower the risk of this problem:
RESOURCES:Eye Smart—American Ophthalmology http://www.geteyesmart.org National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian National Institute for the Blind http://www.cnib.ca Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.cos-sco.ca References:American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Preferred practice pattern on cataract in the adult eye. AAO 2016 Oct. Cataracts. National Eye Institute website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 30, 2020. Cataracts in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cataracts-in-adults. Accessed December 30, 2020. Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 12/30/2020 | |