A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area (an area you cannot see through) in the lens of the eye.
Alternative Names
Lens opacity
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The lens of the eye is normally clear. If the lens becomes cloudy, the condition is known as a cataract. Rarely, cataracts may be present at or shortly after birth. These are called congenital cataracts.
Adult cataracts usually develop with advancing age and may run in families. Cataracts develop more quickly in the presence of some environmental factors, such as smoking or exposure to other toxic substances. They may develop at any time after an eye injury. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes also greatly increase the risk for cataracts. Certain medications, such as cortisone, can also accelerate cataract formation.
Congenital cataracts may be inherited. The gene for such cataracts is dominant (autosomal dominant inheritance), which means that the defective gene will cause the condition even if only one parent passes it along. I families where one parent carries the gene, there is a 50% chance in every pregnancy that the child will be affected.
Congenital cataracts can also be caused by infections affecting the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella. They are also associated with metabolic disorders such as galactosemia.
Dry eye syndrome (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Dry eye syndrome is when the tear glands produce fewer tears. See also: Conjunctivitis; Decreased tearing; Vitamin A deficiency; Sjogren syndrome. Reviewer: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/20/2006
Farsightedness (3 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Farsightedness is difficulty seeing objects that are nearby. Reviewer: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/20/2006
Endophthalmitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Endophthalmitis is a serious condition involving inflammation (swelling) within the eyeball. It is most often caused by infection with bacteria or other micro-organisms. It can also occur as a rare complication of cataract or other eye surgery. The symptoms are pain, decreased vision, swelling of the eyelids, and redness. If you have these symptoms after eye surgery, call your doctor immediately. Reviewer: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/14/2005
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