Dakshayani1, Rakesh2
INTRODUCTION: Cataract may be an early or late manifestation of ocular trauma. The two basic types of trauma-related lens abnormality are loss of transparency and loss of position. They may be combined and complicated by lens fragmentation or swelling.1 Both penetrating and concussion injuries can cause cataract, the type of trauma, extent of lenticular involvement and associated damage to the ocular structure go a long way in determining the ultimate prognosis. The methods used to evaluate the visual outcome in eyes managed for traumatic cataracts and senile cataracts are similar, but the damage to other ocular tissues due to trauma may compromise the visual gain in eyes operated on for traumatic cataracts. Hence, the success rates may differ between eyes with these two types of cataracts. Any strategy for prevention requires knowledge of the cause of injury, which may enable more appropriate targeting of resources toward preventing such injuries. Both eye trauma victims and society bear a large, potentially preventable burden.2 However regarding the time of intervention of cataract surgery it has been emphasized that in adults the treatment should be carried out and completed within a year following initial surgery and in children perhaps within six months.3
