Lens opacity occurs when the crystalline lens loses its transparency, forming a cataract. This scatters light and reduces clarity of vision.
Contributing Factors
Ageing is the most common cause, but diabetes, steroid use, smoking, ultraviolet exposure, trauma, and certain genetic or metabolic disorders accelerate cataract formation. Congenital cataracts are present at or soon after birth.
- Different cataract types affect vision in distinct ways, such as glare or near blur
- Systemic diseases and medications can shift lens clarity and refractive power
- Radiation and ocular inflammation also promote opacification
- Some cataracts progress slowly, others more rapidly
Clinical Course
Cataracts typically cause gradual, painless vision loss, faded colours, and increased glare. Surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear implant is highly effective when symptoms interfere with daily life.
- Regular eye checks monitor cataract impact and rule out co‑existing disease
- Optimising systemic health may slow progression
- Dense congenital cataracts require early treatment to prevent amblyopia
- Post‑surgical clouding of the capsule can occur and is treatable with laser
