LACTEAL CATARACT Meaning and
Definition
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Lacteal cataract is a medical condition characterized by the opacity or cloudiness of the lens in the eye, resulting in impaired vision. It is specifically referred to as "lacteal" due to the characteristic milky white appearance of the cataract, resembling the color of milk.
Cataracts, in general, occur when proteins in the eye's lens begin to clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. This cloudiness obstructs the passage of light to the retina, leading to blurry or blurred vision and various visual disturbances. Lacteal cataracts, in particular, are seen as a distinct form of cataract due to their unique appearance and the specific nature of the opacity.
The development of lacteal cataracts can be caused by various factors, including aging, genetics, trauma to the eye, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes), exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or long-term use of certain medications. The condition is often progressive, meaning the cloudiness in the lens tends to worsen over time if left untreated.
The most common treatment for lacteal cataract is surgical removal of the affected lens, followed by the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. Cataract surgery is generally safe and highly effective, providing significant visual improvement for individuals with lacteal cataracts. Regular eye examinations and early detection are essential for prompt diagnosis and the successful management of lacteal cataract.
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A fluid c. in which the liquid lens is opalescent or milky.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LACTEAL CATARACT
- kacteal cataract
- pacteal cataract
- oacteal cataract
- lzcteal cataract
- lscteal cataract
- lwcteal cataract
- lqcteal cataract
- laxteal cataract
- lavteal cataract
- lafteal cataract
- ladteal cataract
- lacreal cataract
- lacfeal cataract
- lacgeal cataract
- lacyeal cataract
- lac6eal cataract
- lac5eal cataract
- lactwal cataract
- lactsal cataract
- lactdal cataract
Etymology of LACTEAL CATARACT
The word "lacteal" is derived from the Latin word "lacteus", meaning "milky" or "milk-like". It refers to anything that is related to or resembles milk.
The term "cataract" comes from the Latin word "cataracta", which means "waterfall" or "portcullis". It was used metaphorically to describe the opacity or whiteness of the eye lens, as it looked similar to a waterfall or a hanging portcullis obstructing vision.
Therefore, "lacteal cataract" is a medical term combining "lacteal" to describe the milky appearance of the cataract and "cataract" to refer to the opacity or whiteness of the eye lens.
