Cataracts (cont.)

Cataracts can be classified by anatomical location within the lens, degree of clouding of the lens, or by the cause of the cataract.

The lens of the human eye is shaped similar to an M&M's candy. It has a front (anterior) part and a back (posterior) part. The central portion of the lens is called the lens nucleus, and the outer portion is called the lens capsule. Between the inner nucleus and the outer capsule is a portion of the lens called the cortex. Clouding of the lens can occur only in the nucleus, in which case the term nuclear cataract or nuclear sclerosis is used. If the clouding occurs in the lens cortex only, the cataract is termed a cortical cataract. If the loss of clarity of the lens is primarily in the capsule, the term subcapsular cataract is used. The location of the clouding can also be defined as being anterior or posterior, central, or peripheral. Often the clouding of the lens may affect multiple portions of the lens. The most common type of cataract that is related to age is sometimes termed a senile cataract. This type of cataract primarily involves the nucleus of the lens. Cataracts that develop in the posterior subcapsular area (in the rear region of the lens capsule) are more common in a younger age group.

Any degree of loss of the normal transparency of the lens is called a cataract. The more cloudy the, lens the more advanced the degree of cataract. A cataract may be mild, moderate, or severe. It may be early or advanced. If the lens is totally opaque it is termed a "mature" cataract. Any cataract that is not opaque is therefore termed an "immature" cataract. Most mature cataracts are white in color.

The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a specific way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it to focus a clear image onto the retinal surface. As we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is our understanding of the cause of an age-related cataract. Over time, the cataract may become more dense or cloud more of the lens, making it more difficult to see through. A cataract is not a growth or tumor.

There are many causes of non age-related cataracts or secondary cataracts. Secondary cataracts are a result of similar changes to the protein of the lens, also resulting in visual blurring or visual loss.

Blunt or penetrating injury to the eye may cause secondary cataracts, either immediately after the injury or some weeks to years afterward. A cataract following an injury may appear and then not increase in density (be stationary) or be progressive. Eye surgery for other conditions can also cause cataracts. Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation (X-ray), infrared radiation (as in glass blowers), or ultraviolet radiation cause secondary cataracts.

Diabetes is associated with the development of secondary cataracts. Inflammatory disease of the eye, such as iritis or uveitis, may cause or accelerate the development of cataract in the involved eye.

There are many genetic illnesses that are associated with the development of secondary cataracts. These include myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, homocystinuria, Wilson's disease and Down syndrome, plus many others. Congenital infections with herpes simplex, rubella, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and cytomegalic inclusion disease may also result in cataracts.

There are many medications which, when taken over a long period of time, can cause secondary cataracts. The most common of these are oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which are used for a wide variety of medical conditions.

The term "congenital cataract" is used when a baby is born with any clouding of the lens. This may be present in one or both eyes, be stationary or be progressive. Causes include genetic disorders or intrauterine developmental disorders, both often associated with other physical abnormalities of the baby.

Atopic dermatitis, other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, hypothyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism are associated with the early development of cataracts.

Patients who develop cataracts in both eyes at an early age often have family members who have also developed cataracts prematurely, implying a genetic cause, even in the absence of a recognized underlying disease.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/cataracts/article.htm