cortical cataract

Last reviewed 01/2018

These are opacities in the lens cortex which follow the arrangement of the lens fibres. They are seen as black spokes against the red reflex with the ophthalmoscope.

Often, the opacity starts in the periphery so that vision is unaffected for some time. Gradually, the central of the lens is affected and visual acuity is reduced.

Patients may experience:

  • difficulties with glare when driving
  • difficulty reading
  • sunlight becomes uncomfortable when sun is low on the horizon (during winter) (1)

Reference: