Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of cataract affecting the lens cortex: A "cortical cataract" is an opacity or clouding of the eye's natural lens that specifically originates in and affects the outer layer, or cortex, of the lens. This type of cataract often appears as white, wedge-shaped opacities or spokes that start at the periphery of the lens and may extend toward the center, potentially interfering with vision.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with a cortical cataract in the left eye.
  • Cortical cataracts can cause glare and problems with contrast sensitivity.
  • The progression of the cortical cataract was monitored through annual eye exams.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical description: In medical contexts, a cortical cataract may be described by its specific morphology, such as "spoke-like" or "cuneiform" opacities.
  • The slit-lamp examination revealed classic cuneiform opacities indicative of a cortical cataract.

Variants and Related Words

• Cataract (n): The general term for clouding of the eye's lens.
• Nuclear cataract (n): A cataract that forms in the central core (nucleus) of the lens.
• Posterior subcapsular cataract (n): A cataract that forms at the back of the lens, just inside its capsule.
• Cortical (adj): Pertaining to the cortex or outer layer of an organ or structure.

Synonyms

• Lens cortex opacity: A more descriptive technical synonym.
• Cortical lens opacity: An alternative phrasing with the same meaning.

Related Phrases

• To develop a cortical cataract: The process of this type of cataract forming.
  • Patients with diabetes may be more likely to develop a cortical cataract.
• Cortical cataract extraction: The surgical removal of this specific type of cataract.
  • The surgeon performed a cortical cataract extraction using phacoemulsification.

Noun

1. a cataract that affects the lens cortex