Cataract

Cataract

 A cataract is a condition characterized by clouding of the lens which is an eye structure situated behind the iris and the pupil. ^[1] It can occur in one or both eyes and takes some time to develop. ^[2] Early detection is exceedingly essential as morbidity brought about by senile type of cataract is reversible. ^[3]

Epidemiology

According to statistics, around 22 million people with age 40 years old and above have cataract in the United States. ^[1] Cataract is regarded as one of the most common causes of visual impairment and blindness. ^[4]

Causes

Age is the greatest contributing factor. This type of cataract is referred to as senile cataract. Some individuals are born already with the condition which is referred to as congenital cataract. The condition can also arise secondarily due to other medical conditions like hypertension, myopia and diabetes. Other risk factors associated with cataract include being alcoholic, steroid intake, smoking, being under hormone replacement therapy, use of anti-cholesterol agents called statins and exposure to radiation. It can also develop after a surgical procedure or after an injury sustained by the eye. ^{[1] [5]}

Signs and Symptoms

A progressively decreasing visual acuity is often the typical manifestation. A person may also complain of glare, halos, double vision, faded colors, night driving trouble, inability to see properly at night and blurry or cloudy vision^{.[2] [5] [6]}

Diagnosis

The patient’s history parallel with having a cataract and physical examination are the basis for making a diagnosis. Instruments like ophthalmoscope and slit lamp are used by physicians to see the cataract after the patient’s pupil is dilated using a certain medication. ^[7] A visual acuity exam is also done to determine how well a patient sees at different distances.  Other laboratory exams are performed to identify concomitant medical conditions like diabetes mellitus.  ^[3][5]

Treatment

Eyeglasses or contact lenses are prescribed initially to improve the symptoms. If this still do not address the complaints, surgery is next in line. Cataract removal is typically safe and effective. ^[5]

References:

1.      http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm

2.      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cataract.html

3.      http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1210914-overview

4.      http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/cataracts.cfm

5.      http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp

6.      http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/health-cataracts-eyes

7.      http://www.mdguidelines.com/cataract

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