Difference between fundus diseases and cataracts

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on May 10, 2025
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Diseases of the eye fundus mainly refer to diseases of the choroid and retina in the posterior segment of the eye, while cataracts are diseases of the lens in the middle segment of the eye, so there is a difference in their locations. Clinically, eye fundus diseases manifest as declining vision and obstructed vision, while cataracts manifest as blurred vision, foggy vision, or seeing halos around lights. Eye fundus diseases can be treated conservatively or surgically, whereas cataracts require surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhou Qing
Ophthalmology
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Early symptoms of cataracts

The early symptoms of cataracts can manifest as day blindness or night blindness. When the cloudiness of the lens originates from the middle of the eye, the strong daylight and illumination can cause the pupil to contract, which then blocks the light from entering the eye, resulting in day blindness. When the cloudiness of the lens is located around the periphery of the eye, the dim light at night cannot reach the peripheral retina, thus causing night blindness. Other early symptoms of cataracts include the following: when the cloudiness of the lens is located at the pupil, patients may see fixed dots or patches of shadow in front of their eyes. However, since cataracts share similar characteristics with floaters, they should be distinguished; the shadows in floaters can move, while the shadows in cataracts are fixed. Varying degrees of blurry vision are also early symptoms of cataracts. Patients may experience gradually increasing blurriness of vision, often perceiving halos around lights or seeing colors of objects as dull and unclear. The early development of cataracts is quite slow and can be determined by the deepest and most obvious part of the lens cloudiness and its development condition.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
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What is good to eat for cataracts?

Research shows that cataracts are related to the lack of certain trace elements, vitamin B, vitamin C, and amino acids. Therefore, we should eat more vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and animal organs that contain the above substances in our diet. The diet should be light, avoiding greasy, heavily salted foods and strong spices. At the same time, smoking and alcohol should be avoided to cultivate good eating habits and maintain balanced nutrition. Additionally, it is important to rest and boost one's immunity, which are beneficial for preventing cataracts and inhibiting their progression.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
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Does cataract cause headache?

The main symptoms of cataracts include a decline in vision, with both near and far objects appearing unclear, and blurry vision. There is no significant eye pain or headaches, nor does it cause redness in the eyes. If headaches do occur, it is important to investigate the cause, such as checking if there is an increase in eye pressure or if the headache is caused by glaucoma, and to treat according to the specific cause. However, in the later stages or over-mature stage of cataracts, the lens may dissolve, which can potentially lead to phacolytic glaucoma, but this condition is very rare.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Postoperative complications of cataract surgery

Complications after cataract surgery are relatively common and include the following types: First, incision leakage, leading to a shallow anterior chamber; Second, pupil block; Third, damage to the corneal endothelium, causing persistent corneal edema, and even bullous keratopathy; Fourth, anterior chamber hemorrhage; Fifth, epithelial implantation in the anterior chamber; Sixth, postoperative uveitis; Seventh, increased intraocular pressure; Eighth, abnormal positioning or dislocation of the intraocular lens; Ninth, macular edema, and retinal detachment can also occur.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
34sec home-news-image

Difference between fundus diseases and cataracts

Diseases of the eye fundus mainly refer to diseases of the choroid and retina in the posterior segment of the eye, while cataracts are diseases of the lens in the middle segment of the eye, so there is a difference in their locations. Clinically, eye fundus diseases manifest as declining vision and obstructed vision, while cataracts manifest as blurred vision, foggy vision, or seeing halos around lights. Eye fundus diseases can be treated conservatively or surgically, whereas cataracts require surgical treatment.