Cataract Total

**Total cataract** (Latin cataracta “ice rain, snow”) is a rare form of age-related cataract, expressed in total clouding of the lens substance, completely depriving the eyes of the ability to see. Clinical manifestations are no different from ordinary cataracts. It occurs most often in the elderly, and can occur in patients with atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, accompanied by proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of total cataract

Minor floaters in one or both eyes. In the initial period of the disease, vision in the affected eye is unclear. Its severity gradually decreases. Patients are concerned about pain in the forehead or temple, pain and redness of the eye, and profuse lacrimation. With a pronounced decrease in vision, the patient tries to look at the light less and less, move the lesion and is forced to use a white cane. On examination, the outer surfaces of the eyeballs are pale, the membrane is tense and becomes cloudy due to the effusion of small secondary films. The cornea and sclera are cloudy, the pupil diameter may be increased. In the periphery of the fundus, star-shaped vascular lesions are visible - small blood vessels of the retina. Light reflexes are preserved, but become unclear as the processes progress. After instillation of atropine, the patient can clearly see his own pupil. The fundus reflex disappears later. Visual acuity is sharply reduced. This indicates the addition of presbyopia. The study of color perception in total cataracts is very difficult, however, with the low prognostic nature of cataracts, it is possible to record all the colors of the chromatic set. Such patients can engage in self-care. However, during treatment, this cataract becomes less predictable due to the progression of ophthalmological complications. For medical examinations, it is necessary to gradually increase the correction of glasses according to the drug therapy performed.