What is Cataract?

Cataract
High magnification images from fetal and embryonic regions of nuclear cataracts. A: Displayed is a long gap junction (GJ, arrows) about 16 nm wide from a cataract: 3–25–11#3 (74/F). B: Displayed is a short gap junction (arrow) and undulating membranes with extracellular space deposits (arrowheads) from a cataract: 1–11–11#1 (12/M). C: Circular profile, which is a cross-section of a intercellular projection, is encased by a membrane pair (arrows) where several extracellular space deposits are visible (arrowheads) from a cataract: 4–6-11#2(69/M). Simple fixation and storage protocol for preserving the internal structure of intact human donor lenses and extracted human nuclear cataract specimens. Mohamed A, Gilliland KO, Metlapally S, Johnsen S, Costello MJ - Molecular vision (2013). Not Altered. CC.

Cataract is the clouding of the clear lens of the eye.

Examples of cataract include: 

  • Lenticular opacity
  • Age-related cataract (nuclear sclerosis)
  • Posterior subcapsular cataract
  • Morganium cataract

What is the Pathology of Cataract?

The pathology of cataract is diffusion of toxin with the ocular fluid supplied to the crystalline lens leading to development of opacification.

How does Cataract Present?

Cataract presents with blurred vision, and vision loss.

How is Cataract Diagnosed?

Cataract is diagnosed by comprehensive dilated eye examination, brightness acuity test, corneal topography, endothelial cell count.

How is Cataract Treated?

Cataract is treated with a balanced diet, UV blocking sunglasses, phacoemulsification, and extracapsular cataract extraction if indicated.

What is the Prognosis of Cataract?

The prognosis of cataract is an excellent prognosis in the case of a cataract extraction, although primary pathology plays an important role in the final visual prognosis. 

Tags:
Last updated on May 23, 2022