A Cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelop, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the delopment of age related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colors Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated.
A senile cataract, occuring in the aged, is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens and final shrinkage with complete loss of transparency. More over with time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian cataract, which can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks, untreated the cataract can cause glaucoma.
Causes : Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, including long term ultraviolet exposure, exposure to radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age. They are usually a result of maturation of lens protiens. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and positive family history may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts at an earlier age, a phenomenon of "anticipation" in pre-senile cataracts. Cataracts may also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma.
Treatment: Cataract operations are usually performed using a local anesthetic and the patient is allowed to go home the same day.
