What is a cataract?

• A. A condition in which the lens becomes opaque or cloudy and vision is difficult; usually a slow, gradual loss; common in elderly and may be caused by corticosteroids.
• B. An infection of the cornea
• C. Inflammation of the iris
• D. Detachment of the retina

Answer: (A)

Cataracts occur when the lens becomes opaque or cloudy, which blocks and scatters light entering the eye and leads to blurred or dim vision. This change is usually slow and painless, and it’s most common in older adults, with long-term corticosteroid use being a known risk factor. Because the problem lies in the lens, vision loss is not due to issues with the cornea or retina. Other eye conditions involve different structures: a corneal infection affects the front surface of the eye; inflammation of the iris causes redness and light sensitivity; and retinal detachment involves the retina and presents with sudden changes such as a shadow or curtain over part of the vision. The definitive treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens, often with implantation of an artificial intraocular lens, since nonsurgical measures can only help temporarily.