Oh Christmas Tree...Cataract?

Oh, Christmas Tree...Cataract?

Cataracts are basically a hardening, or yellowing of the eye's natural lens. There are different types of cataracts that develop in different areas of the lens. Some are white in the center, some are wedge-shaped in the periphery, and some are just cloudy all over. There is one type of cataract however, that is absolutely beautiful (well, maybe just beautiful for the doctor to examine). This is called the Christmas Tree Cataract. The lens forms needle-like poly-chromatic or iridescent crystals within the cortex. When the doctor's light hits the cataract, a sparkling display of colors including red, pink, green, blue and gold are visible, reminiscent of tinsel on the Christmas tree, reflecting the colored lights. This type of cataract is quite rare, and is only seen in our busy cataract surgery office about once a year. If you would like more information about cataracts, please call our office at 405-755-6111 or email cindy@hummeleye.com. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!