Cataracts
Cataract is the name given to any opacity affecting the lens. This happens when the normally transparent crystalline material of the lens condenses, causing blurring of vision. It is uncommon in young people (but not, of course, in the elderly). It occurs congenitally as a consequence of intra-uterine infections such as rubella and sometimes as a complication of Down’s syndrome. The condition may be suspected because there is loss of the normal red reflex when the baby’s eyes are examined at birth. Without removal of a congenital cataract, there will be impaired development of vision in the affected eye.
More rarely, cataract may develop younger people following trauma, certain infections, treatment of inflammatory eye conditions with steroid drops or as a complication of diabetes mellitus.
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