SPINDLE CATARACT Meaning and
Definition
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Spindle cataract is a medical term used to describe a specific type of cataract that affects the eye. A cataract refers to the clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision. However, spindle cataract is characterized by the presence of long, thin, and tapering opacities that resemble spindles or fibers within the lens.
This type of cataract is typically congenital, meaning it is present from birth or develops shortly thereafter. It is usually inherited genetically, suggesting a hereditary component to its occurrence. Spindle cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, and their severity can vary, ranging from mild to severe.
The exact cause of spindle cataract is not fully understood, but studies suggest that it may be associated with certain genetic mutations that affect the structure and function of proteins within the lens. These mutations can disrupt the normal arrangement of lens fibers, leading to the formation of the characteristic spindle-shaped opacities.
Symptoms of spindle cataract can include blurred or decreased vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Treatment for this condition typically involves surgical removal of the affected lens and replacement with an artificial lens implant.
It is important for individuals with spindle cataract to consult with an ophthalmologist, a medical professional specializing in eye care, for appropriate diagnosis, monitoring, and management of their condition to prevent further vision impairment.
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• Axial c., fusiform c., one in which the opacity is fusiform, extending from one pole to the other.
• Fusiform cataract, a central opacity of the crystalline lens having the form of a spindle with the long axis directed anteroposteriorly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPINDLE CATARACT
Etymology of SPINDLE CATARACT
The term "spindle cataract" originates from the medical field, specifically ophthalmology, and it describes a particular type of visually significant cataract. In order to understand the etymology, we can break down the two components of the term:
1. Spindle: In ophthalmology, "spindle" is used to describe a specific shape or appearance of the cataract. A spindle-shaped cataract refers to a translucent or opaque cloudiness in the lens of the eye that takes on a long, narrow, and elongated shape, resembling a spindle.
2. Cataract: The word "cataract" has a much older etymology. It can be traced back to the Latin word "cataracta", which means "waterfall" or "portcullis". It derived from the Greek word "kataraktḗs", which also meant "waterfall".
