The word "complete cataract" is spelled as /kəmˈpliːt kætərækt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "complete" is pronounced as /kəmˈpliːt/ with a stress on the second syllable and the vowel sound in the first syllable is pronounced as /ʌ/. The word "cataract" is pronounced as /ˈkætərækt/ with a stress on the first syllable and the vowel sound is pronounced as /æ/. This word is used to refer to a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can lead to vision loss.
A complete cataract, also known as a mature cataract, is a condition characterized by the complete opacification or clouding of the eye's natural lens, resulting in severe vision impairment or loss. The lens, located behind the iris, helps to focus light onto the retina, allowing clear and sharp vision. In the case of a complete cataract, the lens becomes entirely opaque, preventing light from passing through and reaching the retina.
This ocular condition typically progresses slowly over time, with the lens gradually losing its transparency. As the opacity increases, the affected individual may experience a significant decline in visual acuity and suffer from blurred or cloudy vision. Colors may appear dull or faded, and there may be an increased sensitivity to glare.
A complete cataract typically forms as a result of age-related changes in the lens structure, causing proteins within the lens fibers to clump and form a dense clouding that obstructs the passage of light. Other contributing factors include long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids), genetic predisposition, eye injuries, and certain medical conditions like diabetes.
Treatment for a complete cataract usually involves surgical removal of the clouded lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective procedures in ophthalmology, restoring clear vision and improving overall quality of life for those affected.
One involving the entire lens.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "cataract" can be traced back to the Greek word "katarraktēs", which means "waterfall". In ancient Greece, the term was used to describe the condition of a white, opaque clouding over the eye, which was likened to the rushing waters of a waterfall. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to the medical condition of a complete or severe opacity of the eye's lens, blocking vision. Therefore, the term "complete cataract" refers to a fully developed and dense cloudiness in the lens of the eye.