The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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An opaque formation on the lens at the back of the eye that can block light to the retina and lead to loss of vision.
Cataracts commonly afflict elderly people, but in rare instances an infant may have cataracts in one or both eyes at birth. This condition can result if the mother contracted an infectious disease during pregnancy, and cataracts are sometimes linked with other congenital disorders such as Down syndrome. However, there is no known cause for many infant cataracts. The cataract appears as a white spot in the pupil, and the size, shape, and density vary widely. Some can be viewed with a flashlight, others only with special opthalmological instruments when the pupils are dilated. If the cataract is large or dense enough to obscure vision, the child will need surgery to remove it. If surgery is needed for congenital cataracts, it is usually performed within the first few weeks or months of the child's life. After surgery, the child is fitted with corrective lenses—whether glasses or contact lenses. Surgery can be deferred if the cataracts do not seriously interfere with the child's vision.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Address: P.O. Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 92120-7424
National Eye Institute
Address: Building 31, Room 6A32
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-5248