[Acquired Cataracts]

Abstract

Senile or age-related cataract is well known to ophthalmologists and also to colleagues in other medical specialties. Age-related cataract represents the most common cause of blindness worldwide but can be treated very successfully by a standard outpatient surgery. Far less common and therefore less known is the acquired cataract that can present a diagnostic and surgical challenge. The following article provides the reader with an overview of secondary acquired cataracts. The most common subtypes are mentioned first and then discussed in more detail so that the reader should have a structured knowledge after reading this article. This article focuses on acquired cataracts primarily in adults and highlights the surgical features including perioperative characteristics.