Cataracts

Background

• A cataract is opacification in the lens of one or both eyes which can lead to decreased visual acuity and visual distortions
• Cataracts are most commonly due to normal age related changes, however they can also be caused by eye trauma, exposure to sunlight or radiation, malnutrition, corticosteroid use, and other pathologic processes
• By age 80 approximately 50% of Americans have been diagnosed with one or more cataracts^[1]
• Additional risk factors for cataract include Diabetes, smoking, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol use^[1][2]

Clinical Features

The appearance of a dense, white cataract in a 60 year-old male.

History

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Difficulty with night time vision
• Colors appear faded
• Appearance of a halo around bright lights
• Recent trauma to the eye

Exam Findings

• Lens opacity on ophthalmic examination
• Darkening of the red reflex
• Decreased visual acuity

See Also

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External Links

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts

References

[1] National Eye Institute, "Cataracts." https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts [2] West SK, and Valmadrid CT, "Epidemiology of risk factors for age-related cataract," Surv Ophthalmol. 1995;39(4):323.