Cataracts

Abstract

Cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant is one of the most common and thought to be the most effective surgical procedure in any field of medicine. Although aging is the most common cause, other factors are also known to be associated with cataract formation. Although cataracts are the domain of ophthalmology, primary care physicians are frequently the ones to whom patients present with vision complaints. Knowledge of cataract symptoms, how to evaluate them, and a basic understanding of the surgery to correct cataracts make primary care physicians an integral part of treating this leading cause of preventable blindness.

Cadmium and lead exposure and risk of cataract surgery in U.S. adults

“…Histologically, the human lens is formed by a single layer of epithelial cells and layers of lens cells which compact centrally; new lens cells are formed externally to the older cells, then gradually stretch and lose organelles and move centrally (Thompson and Lakhani, 2015). One potential biological mechanism of cadmium-induced cataract is that toxic free cadmium ion (Cd 2+ ) may be accumulated in the mitochondria of lens cells, disrupt the respiratory chain, and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Wang et al, 2004); intracellular Cd 2+ may also accelerate the degeneration of organelles, which could theoretically lead to the lens cells becoming more susceptible to photo-oxidative effects (Thompson and Lakhani, 2015).…”

“…One potential biological mechanism of cadmium-induced cataract is that toxic free cadmium ion (Cd 2+ ) may be accumulated in the mitochondria of lens cells, disrupt the respiratory chain, and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Wang et al, 2004); intracellular Cd 2+ may also accelerate the degeneration of organelles, which could theoretically lead to the lens cells becoming more susceptible to photo-oxidative effects (Thompson and Lakhani, 2015). Such oxidative damage could result in cataract.…”

“…Since cataract is highly associated with aging (Thompson and Lakhani, 2015), with life expectancy increasing, higher numbers of people with cataract will continue to pressure the healthcare infrastructure: not only does it decrease individuals’ life quality, but also brings huge burden for society by creating a larger sight-disabled population, especially in developing countries. Reduction or delay in cataract formation by even 10 years was once estimated to cut the burden of need for surgery by nearly ½ ( Vision research , 1983).…”

“…BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m 2 ). Diabetes status (self-reported diagnosis or have taken insulin/diabetic pills, yes/no) was included since previous studies reported association between diabetes mellitus and cataracts (Thompson and Lakhani, 2015). Since cataract was highly related to smoking habits (Kelly et al, 2005; Ye et al, 2012), we included two smoking variables: pack-years of cigarettes and serum cotinine levels (ng/dL); the former indicates direct smoking amounts, whereas the latter indicates amounts of both direct and second-hand smoking (Lindsay et al, 2014).…”

Fear of falling and associated factors in community elderly with cataracts

“…Diagnosis was confirmed through an exam conducted by an ophthalmologist (7) . The following exclusion criteria were adopted: neurological diseases, visual impairment not corrected by use of lens or glasses, previous cataract surgery, cognitive impairment assessed by scoring on the Mini-Mental State Examination (8) Falls as well as the fear of falling are common syndromes with potentially harmful results for elderly.…”