ca
ta
ract
Plural
cataracts
1
a large waterfall where water rushes forcefully over a height
- Tourists gathered to admire the majestic cataract plunging over the rocky cliff face.
- Boats had to navigate tricky channels and portage around sections obstructed by formidable cataracts.
- The series of linked cataracts blocked further upstream travel along this stretch of river.
2
a medical condition characterized by the progressive clouding or opacity of the lens of the eye, resulting in blurred vision
A cataract is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision. It is most commonly related to aging and happens when protein in the lens clumps together, making it hazy and unclear. Cataracts can also form because of eye injury, certain medications, or medical conditions such as diabetes. Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to glare, and colors appearing faded. Treatment for cataracts usually involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure that can significantly improve vision and quality of life for those affected.
- Dorothy's vision had become quite blurry as she developed advanced cataracts in both eyes.
- Cataract surgery is usually performed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant.
- As a risk of aging, cataracts often develop slowly over many years causing vision to deteriorate.