Central cataract is a medical condition that affects the eye. It is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as sɛntrəl ˈkætərækt. The first syllable is pronounced as "sen" with a soft "t" sound at the end. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by a hard "c" sound, and then a soft "t" sound. The final syllable is pronounced as "ract" with a strong emphasis on the "ac." A central cataract can cause blurred vision and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
A central cataract refers to a specific type of cataract that develops in the central part of the eye's lens, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. The lens is typically clear and transparent, allowing for the passage of light, but in the case of a central cataract, it becomes cloudy or opaque. This clouding occurs due to the buildup of protein fragments or clumps within the lens.
The development of a central cataract often results in blurred or distorted vision as light cannot properly pass through the eye. Visual acuity may progressively deteriorate, leading to difficulty in seeing fine details, reading, or performing daily activities. Colors may also appear faded or yellowed.
Central cataracts are commonly associated with age-related changes in the lens and are considered to be a natural part of the aging process. However, they can also be caused by other factors such as genetics, exposure to radiation, certain medications, or trauma to the eye.
Treatment for central cataracts typically involves surgical intervention, known as cataract removal or extraction, where the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. This procedure is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed worldwide. Following surgery, patients often experience a significant improvement in vision and an enhanced quality of life. Regular eye examinations are essential in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of central cataracts.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "central cataract" consists of two components: "central" and "cataract".
The term "central" comes from the Latin word "centralis", which means "pertaining to the center". It is derived from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center". The word was adopted into English in the late 17th century.
The word "cataract" has its origins in the Greek word "katarraktēs", which means "waterfall" or "downrush". In medical terminology, a cataract refers to the clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to impaired vision. The term "cataract" itself has been used in this context since the 15th century.