What is Traumatic Cataract?
Traumatic cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that develops after an injury to the eye. This condition can cause blurry vision or vision loss depending on the severity and location of the cataract.
What Causes Traumatic Cataract?
Traumatic cataracts occur due to:
- Direct blunt or penetrating injury to the eye
- Chemical burns affecting the lens
- Radiation exposure
- Surgery or complications from eye trauma
The injury disrupts the normal structure and clarity of the lens, leading to cloudiness.
What Are the Symptoms of Traumatic Cataract?
Symptoms may include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Eye pain or redness if trauma is recent
- Double vision in some cases
Symptoms can develop immediately or weeks to months after injury.
How is Traumatic Cataract Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
- Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist
- Visual acuity testing to assess vision loss
- Slit-lamp examination to view the lens and eye structures
- Imaging tests if other eye injuries are suspected
Early diagnosis helps prevent complications.
How is Traumatic Cataract Treated?
Treatment options depend on severity:
- Observation if vision is minimally affected
- Surgical removal of the cataract with lens replacement (cataract surgery) if vision is significantly impaired
- Treatment of associated eye injuries or inflammation
- Use of eye drops to reduce inflammation or infection risk
Prompt treatment improves vision outcomes.
Can Traumatic Cataract Be Prevented?
Prevention focuses on:
- Wearing protective eyewear during activities with risk of eye injury
- Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation without protection
- Prompt treatment of any eye injury
Safety measures can significantly reduce risk.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Eye injury with vision changes
- Persistent eye pain or redness after trauma
- Blurred or cloudy vision developing after an injury
- Any signs of infection or complications in the eye