CATARACTS

15/01/2025

Cataracts

Definition:

A cataract is the opacification of the crystalline lens, leading to progressive visual impairment. It is the most common cause of reversible blindness worldwide.

Causes & Risk Factors:

  • Aging (most common)
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Prolonged corticosteroid use
  • UV light exposure
  • Smoking
  • Trauma or previous ocular surgery

Clinical Features:

  • Gradual painless vision loss
  • Glare, particularly in bright lights
  • Difficulty with night vision
  • Reduced contrast sensitivity
  • Lens opacity visible on slit-lamp examination

Management:

  • Non-surgical: Early stages managed with glasses and lifestyle modifications.
  • Surgical: Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the definitive treatment.

Key Takeaway for Medical Students:

  • Cataracts cause gradual, painless vision loss and are reversible with surgery.

Author: Dr Johann Panthakey (5 minutes read) 

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