Cataract (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the causes of a cataract?== | ==What are the causes of a cataract?== | ||
In many cases, the cause of cataract is unknown. However, factors that may contribute to cataract development are: | In many cases, the cause of cataract development is unknown. However, factors that may contribute to cataract development are: | ||
* Diseases that cause inflammation or affect metabolism | * Diseases that cause [[inflammation]] or affect [[metabolism]] | ||
* Eye injury | * Eye injury | ||
* Family history | * Family history | ||
* Long-term use of corticosteroids or certain other medications | * Long-term use of [[corticosteroids]] or certain other medications | ||
* Radiation exposure | * [[Radiation]] exposure | ||
* Smoking | * [[Smoking]] | ||
* Too much exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight) | * Too much exposure to [[ultraviolet light]] (sunlight) | ||
==Who is at risk for a cataract?== | ==Who is at risk for a cataract?== | ||
Revision as of 18:55, 15 January 2010
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What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Cataracts are very common in older people, as most cataracts are related to aging. Rarely, cataracts may be present at or shortly after birth.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, but it cannot spread from one eye to the other.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
What are the causes of a cataract?
In many cases, the cause of cataract development is unknown. However, factors that may contribute to cataract development are:
- Diseases that cause inflammation or affect metabolism
- Eye injury
- Family history
- Long-term use of corticosteroids or certain other medications
- Radiation exposure
- Smoking
- Too much exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight)
Who is at risk for a cataract?
By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
How to know you have a cataract?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for a cataract
Directions to Hospitals Treating a cataract
Prevention of a cataract
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Sources
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001001.htm