This refers to an opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye. Causes may be congenital, traumatic, infectious, radiation exposure, systemic disease such as diabetes and as a normal aging phenomenon.
Development is usually slowly progressive and painless. Aphakia is the term used to describe the absence of the lens. Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is a common surgical procedure done today, and reduces the need for strong post-operative glasses