Cataracts is considered a disease of aging, in which the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. The natural lens and posterior capsule around it are similar in size and relationship to a candy-coated M&M. Three common types of cataracts are posterior sub-capsular cataracts (cloudy lens), cortical cataracts (spokes of cloudy material), and nuclear sclerotic cataracts (yellowing of the lens from long-term sun exposure).
In cataract surgery, the front of the posterior capsule is removed to allow removal of the natural lens, and a manufactured lens is implanted, inside the posterior capsule. Excess tension on the retina during cataract surgery can cause a horseshoe shaped retinal tear; and 40% of all retinal detachments occur in post-cataract surgery patients. If the capsule tears during surgery, the lens may be implanted in the sulcus, behind the iris and in front of the posterior capsule, which can increase the risk of elevated intraocular pressure, long-term.
Premature cataracts (in a younger patient) is “associated” with chronic chlamydia pneumonia. Infants with cataracts may have acquired chlamydia, in utero. Refractive surgery can cause cataracts as much as 15 years prematurely; and increases the risk and unpredictability of cataract surgery. Trauma and steroids can precipitate the development of cataracts, both of which occur in and after refractive surgery.
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