visual clue

[pjgriffo]

C
\
a \
\
\
s
I've tried to replicate the clue as best I can above - it's a quarter of a circle with a C at the top , an s at the bottom and an a at the side as above.
9 letters - A - A - A - T-

[pjgriffo]

I notice it has not appeared as intended .
Try this - imagine a curved line , a piece of a circle between the C and the S with the A just on the inside of the curve a qtr. of the way down,

C
A


S

[Ont-ice]

I'm seeing a bulge like an eye, but could be wrong.
If it is an eye could your word be Cataracts?

[pjgriffo]

Thanks - Cataracts fits but what's the rationale?

[Ont-ice]

When a person has cataracts they sort of cling to the eyeball - I think. So I was seeing an eyeball (from your description) and there was an A sort of hanging on like a limpet so I immediately thought 'Cataracts.'