Cataracts
Cataracts
Cataracts (/kætərækt/) are a medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision. The term originates from the Latin word "cataracta" meaning "waterfall", due to the effect of looking through a waterfall.
Causes
Cataracts are most commonly due to aging, but may also occur due to trauma, radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cataracts include faded colors, blurry vision, halos around light, trouble with bright lights, and trouble seeing at night. This may result in trouble driving, reading, or recognizing faces.
Treatment
Treatment for cataracts includes glasses and cataract surgery. Surgery involves removing the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The surgery is generally safe and effective.
Related Terms
- Astigmatism: A common imperfection in the eye's curvature.
- Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.
- Macular Degeneration: An eye disease that blurs the sharp, central vision.
- Presbyopia: A condition where the eye exhibits a progressively diminished ability to focus on near objects.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cataracts
- Wikipedia's article - Cataracts
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