=Symptoms.=—Beginning opacities can best be recognized with the
ophthalmoscope. Advance opacities can be seen at a glance with the
naked eye.
Vision is disturbed according to degree and location of the opacity.
If the opacity is in the center of the lens and the periphery is
transparent they see better when the pupil is dilated. When the
opacities are in the periphery of the lens they see better by day.
Muscæ volitantes and polyopia are present until increasing opacity
closes up all clear areas shutting out these visual perversions.
There are many clinical varieties of cataracts which may be studied in
works on ophthalmology.
=Causes.=—Some interference with the nutrition of the lens accounts
for the condition. Heredity is supposed to play a part in some
cataracts. Rickets, convulsions, traumatism, old age, some drugs
(ergot), inflammation of iris, ciliary body and choroid are given
as causes. Cervical and upper dorsal lesions and disease of the
throat, nasopharynx and nose will interfere with perfect circulation
and drainage of the orbit, and may well have much to do with many
idiopathic cataracts.
=Treatment.=—Many cases have been reported cured by osteopathic
measures. Correct lesions and treat to establish free nerve force
and circulation of blood and lymph to the orbit. Manipulation of the
orbital tissues and mild vibration of the bulb are measures of value.
More hope may be held in symptomatic, toxic, secondary and progressive
cataracts. The process may be stopped and in many cases there is hope
of a clearing.