Cataract

A cataract is a clouding or opacification of the lens
of the eye. Cataracts can occur at any age in one or
both eyes. The three most common types are
congenital cataracts, traumatic cataracts, and senile
cataracts.
Painless blurring of vision is a characteristic of
cataracts, and the patient often feels that his
surroundings are blurred and his glasses need to be
cleaned. His visual acuity is reduced and he feels
scattered points of light.
Other effects of the disease include astigmatism;
monocular diplopia, and the return of the ability to
do close work without glasses.
The best medical treatment is prevention. Patients
should be taught ways to reduce the risk of
cataracts, such as quitting smoking, losing weight,
controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients, and
using sunglasses outdoors to prevent early cataract
formation