Cataract
Everything you need to know about cataracts, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis.
Lens Disorder
H25–H28
Older adults
Yes
Overview
A cataract is an opacity of the crystalline lens that causes progressive reduction in vision. Cataracts are most commonly age related but may also develop from trauma, systemic disease, medications, radiation exposure, or congenital causes.
Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is one of the most successful surgical procedures performed worldwide.
Symptoms & Signs
- Gradually blurred vision
- Glare and halos
- Difficulty driving at night
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
- Frequent prescription changes
- Monocular diplopia
Causes & Risk Factors
- Aging
- Diabetes mellitus
- Smoking
- Ultraviolet exposure
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Trauma
Diagnosis
- Visual acuity testing
- Refraction
- Slit lamp examination
- Dilated fundus examination
- Glare testing when indicated
Differential Diagnosis
| Condition | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| Macular degeneration | Retinal pathology |
| Posterior capsular opacification | Occurs after cataract surgery |
| Corneal edema | Corneal haze |
| Open-angle glaucoma | Optic nerve damage |
Treatment
- Updated spectacles in early disease
- Improved lighting
- Cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation
- Management of coexisting ocular disease
Complications
- Functional vision loss
- Falls
- Lens-induced glaucoma (advanced cases)
- Reduced independence
ICD-10 Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H25.11 | Age-related nuclear cataract, right eye |
| H25.12 | Age-related nuclear cataract, left eye |
| H25.13 | Age-related nuclear cataract, bilateral |
| H25.9 | Age-related cataract, unspecified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cataracts be prevented?
Not entirely, but UV protection, smoking cessation, and good control of systemic disease may reduce risk.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is generally recommended when cataracts interfere with daily activities or limit examination or treatment of other eye conditions.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Kardia Vision is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination or consultation with a qualified eye care professional.
If you experience sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, severe eye pain, chemical injury, or another eye emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, Kardia Vision does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content.