Zonular cataract is a type of cataract that affects the zone or area of the lens of the eye. The correct spelling of this term is [ˈzɑnjələr ˈkætərækt], where the stress is on the second syllable of both words. The first syllable of cataract is pronounced as [kæ], not [ka]. The letter "z" represents the sound [z], and the letter "j" represents the voiced palatal approximant [j]. The spelling of this word reflects its etymology and helps to accurately describe the location and nature of the condition.
Zonular cataract is a term used in ophthalmology to refer to a specific type of cataract that affects the lens of the eye. The lens is a clear, flexible structure located behind the iris and plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina. A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy, impairing vision.
Zonular cataract is characterized by the opacity or clouding of the lens fibers that make up the zonule, a delicate and intricate network of fibers holding the lens in place. This type of cataract typically involves the development of small, isolated opacities or cloudiness within the zonules, leading to reduced transparency and blurred vision. Over time, these opacities can spread and eventually cover a larger portion of the lens, further impairing visual clarity.
There are various causes of zonular cataract, including genetic factors, aging, eye trauma, certain medical conditions, or the use of certain medications. The symptoms of zonular cataract can vary depending on the severity and location of the opacities, but commonly include blurred or hazy vision, increased sensitivity to light, reduced night vision, and difficulty seeing in bright light.
Treatment for zonular cataract typically involves surgical intervention to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure, known as cataract surgery, is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide and has a high success rate in restoring visual acuity. However, the specific surgical technique used may vary depending on the severity and location of the zonular opacities.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "zonular" in "zonular cataract" comes from the Latin word "zōna" which means "belt" or "girdle". It refers to the zonules, which are fibers that form a belt-like structure around the lens of the eye.
The term "cataract" comes from the Latin word "cataracta", which was derived from the Greek word "kataraktēs" meaning "waterfall". This is because early physicians believed that a cataract formed when a "waterfall" appeared in the eye, obstructing vision.
Therefore, "zonular cataract" is a term used to describe a type of cataract that occurs when there is opacification or cloudiness in the lens of the eye in the region of the zonules.