Atarak

Atarak is a term with multiple usages across languages, but in ophthalmology it is most commonly linked to cataract, the clouding of the eye's crystalline lens. In Indonesian and Malay, the condition is officially called katarak; 'atarak' may appear as a transliteration variant in some texts or informal writing, though the standard term uses a 'k'.

Cataract causes gradual vision loss, often related to aging, but can also result from trauma, certain medications, diabetes, or systemic conditions. Early signs include blurred vision, increased glare from lights, faded color perception, and difficulty seeing at night. Diagnosis is made through a eye examination, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy.

Treatment depends on severity and impact on daily life. Non-surgical measures like updated eyeglasses may help temporarily, but definitive treatment is surgical removal of the cloudy lens with replacement by an artificial intraocular lens. Modern cataract surgery has high success rates, with risks including infection, bleeding, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or posterior capsule opacification, though these are uncommon. Recovery is usually rapid.

Summary: Atarak as a term is not a separate medical diagnosis in most contexts, but a regional variant spelling associated with cataract in some languages; the standard term in Indonesian and Malay is katarak. In English-language ophthalmology, cataract is the preferred term.