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Cataract

Yasir Ahmed, MD and Ingrid U. Scott, MPH, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A cataract is any opacity or discoloration of the lens, localized or generalized; the term is usually reserved for changes that affect visual acuity (1).

  • Etymology: from Latin catarr...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Age-related cataract:

    • Decreased visual acuity, blurred vision, distortion, or “ghosting” of images (1)

    • Problems with visual acuity in any lighting condition

    • Falls or accidents; injuries...

TREATMENT

  • Outpatient (usually)

  • ~1.64 million cataract extractions in the United States yearly (2)

GENERAL MEASURES

Eye protection from UV light 

MEDICATION

There are currently no medications to prevent or...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • As the cataract progresses, the glasses or contact lens prescription may change to maintain vision. When this is no longer successful and interf...

REFERENCES

1
Asbell  PA, Dualan  I, Mindel  J, et al. Age-related cataract. Lancet.  2005;365(9459):599–609. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
...

SEE ALSO

  • Floppy Iris Syndrome

  • Algorithm: Cataracts

CODES

ICD10

  • H26.049 Anterior subcapsular polar infantile and juvenile cataract, unspecified eye

  • H26.069 Combined forms of infantile and juvenile cataract, unspecified eye

  • H26.231 Glaucomatous flecks (sub...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide; most cataracts are age-related.

  • The primary indication for cataract surgery is visual impairment leading to significant lifestyle...

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