CORTICAL CATARACT Meaning and
Definition
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Cortical cataract is a medical condition characterized by the formation of cloudy or opaque areas within the lens of the eye. This type of cataract primarily affects the outer edges or periphery of the lens, referred to as the cortex, leading to visual disturbances and potential vision loss.
The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, allowing for clear vision. However, with the development of cortical cataracts, the normally clear lens becomes increasingly opaque. This occurs when the proteins within the lens begin to clump together, creating the cloudy areas. As a result, the lens becomes less transparent, which leads to blurred or decreased vision.
Cortical cataracts typically develop slowly over time, and often start in one section of the outer lens before progress inward towards the center. As the cataract progresses, individuals may experience symptoms such as difficulty reading, sensitivity to bright lights, decreased night vision, and seeing halos around lights. Additionally, the overall clarity of vision may decline, leading to a decrease in the ability to distinguish fine details or see objects clearly.
The most common causes of cortical cataracts include aging, genetic factors, trauma to the eye, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes), and long-term use of certain medications. Treatment options for cortical cataracts include the use of corrective lenses, magnifying devices, and ultimately surgical removal of the cataract followed by implantation of an artificial lens.
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One in which the opacity affects the cortex of the lens.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CORTICAL CATARACT
- xortical cataract
- vortical cataract
- fortical cataract
- dortical cataract
- cirtical cataract
- ckrtical cataract
- clrtical cataract
- cprtical cataract
- c0rtical cataract
- c9rtical cataract
- coetical cataract
- codtical cataract
- coftical cataract
- cottical cataract
- co5tical cataract
- co4tical cataract
- corrical cataract
- corfical cataract
- corgical cataract
- coryical cataract
Etymology of CORTICAL CATARACT
The word "cortical" originates from the Latin word "cortex", which means "bark" or "rind". In the context of the eye, "cortical" refers to the outer layer of the lens called the cortex.
The term "cataract" has its roots in the Greek word "katarráktēs", which means "waterfall". This is because people with cataracts used to describe their vision as if looking through a waterfall.
Therefore, the term "cortical cataract" is used to describe a type of cataract that specifically affects the lens cortex.
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