Ling, a 75-year-old grandmother, complained that her vision was becoming obscured. Upon examination by an ophthalmologist she was told she had cataracts. What are they, how do they occur, and how are they treated?
What will be an ideal response
A cataract is a clouding of the lens that causes the world to appear distorted, as if looking through frosted glass. Some cataracts are congenital, but most are due to age-related hardening and thickening of the lens, or are a possible consequence of diabetes mellitus. The direct cause is probably inadequate delivery of nutrients to the deeper lens fibers. The metabolic changes that result are thought to promote unfolding of the lens proteins. Unprotected exposure to the UV rays of sunlight over time is also associated with cataract formation. The lens can be removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
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