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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Cataract natural history, complications and prognosis

Introduction

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Natural History, Complications & Prognosis

Natural History, Complications & Prognosis

Cataracts typically develop gradually and progressively, resulting in painless decline in visual acuity over time. Early symptoms may include blurred vision, glare, difficulty with night driving, and reduced contrast sensitivity. As lens opacity advances, visual impairment worsens and may interfere with activities of daily living.[1]

If left untreated, cataracts can progress to severe visual impairment or blindness. Visual loss from cataracts has been associated with reduced independence and decreased quality of life in affected individuals.[2]

Surgical removal of the cataract is associated with substantial improvement in visual function and quality of life. Prognosis following cataract surgery is generally favorable when no significant ocular comorbidities are present.[3]

References

References

  1. ↑ Liu YC, Wilkins M, Kim T, Malyugin B, Mehta JS. Cataracts. Lancet. 2017;390(10094):600-612. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30544-5
  2. ↑ GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators; Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years, and prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation to VISION 2020: the Right to Sight: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021;9(2):e144-e160. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30489-7
  3. ↑ Miller KM, Oetting TA, Tweeten JP, et al; American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern Cataract/Anterior Segment Panel. Cataract in the adult eye preferred practice pattern. Ophthalmology. 2022;129(1):1-P126. doi:10.1016/j. ophtha.2021.10.006

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Joseph Nasr, M.D.[2]