Contemporary Aspects of Cataract: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2025v7n11p5-19Keywords:
Cataract. Crystalline lens. Phacoemulsification. Ophthalmology. Reversible Blindness.Abstract
Cataract is globally recognized as the leading cause of reversible blindness, impacting the quality of life of millions of individuals. This pathology is characterized by the opacification of the crystalline lens, a structure essential for focusing light onto the retina. The present study is structured as a narrative literature review, aiming to synthesize current knowledge on cataracts, covering their epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. The research was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus databases, using the descriptors "cataract," "lens opacity," "phacoemulsification," and "ocular surgery," limited to publications between 2010 and 2024. The results indicate that, despite a strong association with aging, the etiology is multifactorial, involving factors ranging from congenital and traumatic causes to systemic diseases and the use of certain medications. The pathophysiology is centered on the denaturation and aggregation of crystalline proteins. Clinically, the disease manifests as blurred vision, diplopia, and photophobia. Diagnosis is essentially clinical, complemented by comprehensive ophthalmological examinations. The definitive treatment is surgical, with phacoemulsification and the implantation of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) representing the gold standards of intervention, demonstrating superior visual outcomes and rapid recovery. It is concluded that deepening the knowledge of molecular mechanisms and investing in ocular health policies are crucial for reducing the prevalence of avoidable cataract-related blindness worldwide.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Flaviane Kimie Katsurayama, Rayanne Gregório de Almeida Marques , Otávio Silveira Santos , Raul Forte Lima, Laís Karoline dos Santos Mendonça Forte, Kayo Brito de Souza, Sérgio Leonardo Tatsch Pereira , Ester dos Reis Faria Rangel, Beatriz Terumi Barreto Kanehira , Ítalo Gomes Fontes, Paula Rosenthal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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