Cataracts

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. This clouding has the effect of reducing vision in the affected eye. Individuals with cataracts report having blurred or altered vision, colors appear faded, and seeing at night is more difficult.

Cataracts can be caused by trauma and injury, occur as a result of ageing or be a feature of a genetic syndrome. In some cases, they can be removed with surgery.

Symptoms may affect multiple parts of the body. Understanding which part of the body a symptom affects, can help us to better understand the potential underlying causes of a symptom, including a rare disease or genetic syndrome.

The eye is a part of the ocular and vision systems of the body. The ocular system includes the eye and its central vision system (cornea, lens, eye fluids), all of the parts that make vision possible.

Symptoms affecting the eyes may be congenital, present at birth, or they may develop later in life. Sometimes surgery may be an option to correct them.

Symptoms relating to the eyes may affect their structure and function including their ability to see, other times they may simply affect the shape or appearance of the eye without any impact on vision.

Clouded or Blurry Vision: Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurry, dimmed, or hazy vision that worsens over time.

Light Sensitivity and Glare: Increased sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing in bright conditions, and glare or halos around lights are common features of cataracts.

What should I do next?

In some instances, cataracts may be one of the features of a rare disease or genetic syndrome. To find out if someone with Cataracts, may be due to a genetic syndrome, it is important to have a consultation and evaluation with a clinical genetic specialist.  Specialists may also suggest specific genetic testing or other types of tests to help reach a diagnosis.  FDNA’s AI technology can help speed up the diagnostic process by analyzing facial features and other health information.

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Synonyms:
Clouding of the lens of the eye, Cloudy lens, Lens opacities, Cataracts, Lens opacity
Related syndromes:

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