Cataract (patient information)

Jump to navigation Jump to search

WikiDoc Resources for Cataract (patient information)

Articles

Most recent articles on Cataract (patient information)

Most cited articles on Cataract (patient information)

Review articles on Cataract (patient information)

Articles on Cataract (patient information) in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Cataract (patient information)

Images of Cataract (patient information)

Photos of Cataract (patient information)

Podcasts & MP3s on Cataract (patient information)

Videos on Cataract (patient information)

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Cataract (patient information)

Bandolier on Cataract (patient information)

TRIP on Cataract (patient information)

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Cataract (patient information) at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Cataract (patient information)

Clinical Trials on Cataract (patient information) at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Cataract (patient information)

NICE Guidance on Cataract (patient information)

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Cataract (patient information)

CDC on Cataract (patient information)

Books

Books on Cataract (patient information)

News

Cataract (patient information) in the news

Be alerted to news on Cataract (patient information)

News trends on Cataract (patient information)

Commentary

Blogs on Cataract (patient information)

Definitions

Definitions of Cataract (patient information)

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Cataract (patient information)

Discussion groups on Cataract (patient information)

Patient Handouts on Cataract (patient information)

Directions to Hospitals Treating Cataract (patient information)

Risk calculators and risk factors for Cataract (patient information)

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Cataract (patient information)

Causes & Risk Factors for Cataract (patient information)

Diagnostic studies for Cataract (patient information)

Treatment of Cataract (patient information)

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Cataract (patient information)

International

Cataract (patient information) en Espanol

Cataract (patient information) en Francais

Business

Cataract (patient information) in the Marketplace

Patents on Cataract (patient information)

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Cataract (patient information)

Editor-in-Chief: Erin E. Lord

Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. It can occur in either or both eyes, but it cannot spread from one eye to the other.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Visual problems may include the following changes:

  • Cloudy, blurry, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision
  • Loss of color intensity
  • Double vision or multiple images in one eye
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Problems seeing shapes against a background or the difference between shades of colors
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Being sensitive to glare

Cataracts generally lead to decreased vision, even in daylight. Most people with cataracts have similar changes in both eyes, although one eye may be worse than the other. Many people with this condition have only mild vision changes.

Other symptoms may include:

What are the causes of a cataract?

In many cases, the cause of cataract development is unknown. Adult cataracts usually develop very gradually with advancing age and may run in families. They develop slowly and painlessly, and vision in the affected eye or eyes slowly gets worse. Some researchers suspect that a cataract may form as the protein in the lens changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years [1].

Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types and causes of cataract:

  • Secondary cataract Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to use of corticosteroids or certain other medications, such as cortisone.
  • Traumatic cataract Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
  • Congenital cataract Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
  • Radiation cataract Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

Cataracts develop more quickly if there are some environmental factors, such as smoking, exposure to other toxic substances, and exposure to excessive ultraviolet light or sunlight.

Who is at risk for a cataract?

The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:

How to know you have a cataract?

A standard eye exam and slit lamp examination are used to diagnose cataracts. Other diagnostic tests are rarely needed.

A comprehensive eye exam includes:

  • Visual acuity test This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
  • Dilated eye exam Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
  • Tonometry An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

When to seek urgent medical care

Treatment options

Diseases with similar symptoms

Where to find medical care for a cataract

Directions to Hospitals Treating a cataract

Prevention of a cataract

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. In addition to cataract, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)

Sources

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001001.htm

Template:SIB Template:WH Template:WS