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. Adult cataracts are generally associated with aging. They develop slowly and painlessly, and vision in the affected eye or eyes slowly gets worse.
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. Diseases such as diabetes also greatly increase the risk for cataracts. Certain medications, such as cortisone, can also speed up cataract formation.
Adult cataracts are classified as immature, mature, and hypermature. A lens that has some remaining clear areas is referred to as an immature cataract.
Dry eye syndrome (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Dry eye syndrome is when the tear glands produce fewer tears.Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.Dry eye syndrome often occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It is more common with older age, because you produce fewer ...Reviewer: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 10/06/2008
Farsightedness (3 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Farsightedness is difficulty seeing objects that are nearby.Farsightedness is the result of the visual image being focused behind the retina rather than directly on it. It may be caused by the eyeball being too small or the focusing power being to...Reviewer: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/22/2008
Endophthalmitis (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Endophthalmitis is a serious condition involving swelling(inflammation) within the eyeball.Endophthalmitis is most often caused by infection with bacteria or other microorganisms. It can also occur as a rare complication of cataract or other eye s...Reviewer: Manju Subramanian, M.D., Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/13/2007
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