Section: Overview
A cloudy eye or increased opacity of the eye is associated with reduced transparency of either the cornea, the fluid media within the eye, or the lens. This change may be described as a "film" covering the eye or as an increased cloudiness within eye. Cloudiness of the eye may or may not be associated with a reduction in vision. The causes of a cloudy eye typically fall into one of the following categories:
Cloudiness of the cornea, which may occur with corneal infections, corneal scarring, infiltrative inflammatory diseases of the cornea, fatty infiltration or calcium deposition within the cornea, or corneal edema (fluid accumulation)
Cloudiness of the aqueous humor, which is the fluid that circulates within the front chamber of the eye. This may be due to the accumulation of white blood cells, protein, fatty lipids or blood.
Opacification or whitening of lens from cataract formation
Disorders of the vitreous body, which is a gelatinous fluid between the lens and retina. These may include congenital defects, hemorrhage or inflammation.
What to Watch For
Physical change in the appearance of one or both eyes
Possible decrease in vision with changes in behavior
Possible squinting. Some causes of a cloudy eye are painful; others are not
Possible discharge from the eye
Possible redness to the eye
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