# Cataracts
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**Cataracts** is an age-related [[eyes|eye]] condition characterized by a clouding of the [[eyes|lenses]] of the eyes. The lenses get full of clumps of proteins, which causes the cloudiness. The level of visual impairment is related to the density of the cataracts.
![[cataracts.png]]
## Risk Factors
- age
- this is a big one, it's relatively common for older adults
- normally shows up by 70
- viral infection
- [[retinal detachment]], blunt trauma, surgery
- myopia
- toxic factors
- chemical burns
- [[anticoagulants|aspirin]], [[corticosteroids]], [[radiation|ionizing radiation]]
- malnutrition
- obesity
- reduced antioxidants
- dehydration
- certain diseases and disorders
- [[diabetes mellitus]]
- hyperlipidemia
- [[trisomy 21]]
- renal disorders
## Signs & Symptoms
- blurry vision
- can be like looking through dirty glasses
- clouded lenses
![[cataract lenses.png]]
## Diagnostic Tests
- Snellen chart test
- opthalmoscopic exam
- slit-lamp biomicroscopic exam
## Treatment
The only treatment for cataracts is a surgical lens replacement.
- It's outpatient
- It takes about 1 hour and the patient is discharged after about 30 minutes recovery
- minimally invasive
- local anesthetics, with the possibility to use moderate sedation if the individual is anxious
- Will do one eye at a time if both eyes have cataracts
- Aftercare
- it's normal for the eyes to feel dry and scratchy afterwards
- patients should avoid straining or bending over
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