Kataraktia

Kataraktia is a term used to describe a medical condition primarily affecting the eye. It refers to the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which is normally clear. This clouding obstructs the passage of light to the retina, leading to a gradual loss of vision. The affected eye may appear cloudy or milky.

The most common cause of kataraktia is aging, as the proteins within the lens begin to break down over time. However, other factors can contribute to its development, including diabetes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, trauma to the eye, certain medications like corticosteroids, and congenital factors present at birth.

Symptoms of kataraktia typically develop slowly and may include blurry or foggy vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights, and a fading or yellowing of colors. In advanced stages, vision can become significantly impaired, making everyday activities challenging.

Diagnosis is usually made through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist, which may include vision tests and examination of the lens. Treatment for kataraktia is primarily surgical. When the condition significantly impacts vision and quality of life, surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is highly effective. This procedure is one of the most common and successful surgical interventions performed worldwide.