Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Ophthalmology > 2: Cataracts > Flashcards

2: Cataracts Flashcards

1
Q

Define cataracts

A

Opacification of the lens

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are immature cataracts

A

Red-reflex still in tact

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are dense cataracts

A

No red-reflex visible

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are nuclear cataracts

A

Change in refractive index - causing dull colours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are posterior sub capsular cataracts

A

Progress faster. Occur just deep to the lens. Present with dazzling of lights in bright sunlight and when driving at night.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What causes posterior sub capsular cataracts

A

Glucocorticoid use

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What increases dot opacities

A

Diabetes and myotonic dystrophy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the commonest cause of preventable blindness

A

Cataracts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does incidence of cataracts change with age

A

Increases with age (75% of over 65’s)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What gender are cataracts more common

A

Female

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How should an individual with congenital cataracts be managed and why

A

Urgent referral to surgery before 6W to prevent development of amblyopia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is amblyopia

A

‘Cortical blindness’ - individual will be unable to see despite glasses or contact lenses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What investigation should be ordered in congenital cataracts

A

TORCH screen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What does a TORCH screen entail

A

Toxoplasmosis

Other: VZV, parvovirus B19, syphillis, listeriosis

Rubella

CMV

HSV

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is a non-modifiable risk factor for cataracts

A

Age

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are 4 co-morbidities associated with acquired cataracts

A
  1. Diabetes
  2. Myotonic dystrophy
  3. HIV
  4. Wilson’s disease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What medication increases risk of posterior sub capsular cataracts

A

Glucocorticoids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are 3 physical risk factors for cataracts

A
  1. Trauma
  2. Radiation
  3. Sunlight
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What 2 lifestyle factors increase risk of cataracts

A

Smoking

Alcohol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Explain onset of symptoms in cataracts

A

Gradual onset of blurred vision

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How will unilateral cataracts present

A

May go unnoticed expect loss of depth perception

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is a loss of depth perception called

A

Stereopsis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How may bilateral cataracts present

A

Gradual loss of vision presents as:
- Having to change glasses prescription frequently

  • Dazzling bright lights
  • Monocular diplopia
24
Q

What do patients with cataracts often report

A
  • Halos around streetlights and difficultly driving at night
25
Will near of distance vision be impacted more in cataracts
Near and far distance will be impacted equally
26
What will nuclear cataracts present with
Loss of colour vision
27
What will posterior sub capsular cataracts present with
Dazzle from bright light
28
What are 2 differential diagnosis for cataracts
Open-angle glaucoma | Macular degeneration
29
Explain pathology of cataracts
- Normally light enters eye through the lens - In cataracts there is precipitation of protein in the lens causing opacification - This distorts the light which is refracted and dispersed over the retina
30
What does lens enable
Accommodation
31
What are the 3 parts of the lens
Nucleus Cortex Capsule
32
What is the nucleus of the lens
Innermost part of the lens
33
What is the cortex
Transparent fibres that surround the lens
34
What happens as we age to the cortex
There are more layers of transparent fibres that are added
35
What is the capsule
Elastic fibres that holds the nucleus and cortex
36
What connects to the capsule
Zonnules
37
What do zonnules connect
Connect to ciliary bodies
38
What does changing the shape of the capsule enable
Accommodation reflex
39
What investigations are ordered in cataracts
Automated perimetry Ophthalmoscopy Slit Lamp
40
How will automated perimetry present in cataracts
Normal
41
What will be seen on ophthalmoscopy in cataracts
Loss of red reflex
42
What is the red reflex
Orange discolouration caused by reflection of light from the retina
43
Why is red reflex lost in cataracts
As cataract prevents light hitting the retina
44
What are the non-surgical methods of managing cataracts
Change glasses prescription | Brighter lights
45
What is the problem with conservative measures for cataracts
Optimise vision but do not slow down progression of cataracts
46
What are the indications for surgery in cataracts
- Significant visual impairment - Impact QOL - Patient choice
47
Explain procedure of cataracts
Capsule is cut Lens is fragmented Plastic IOL is inserted in its place Capsule is re-attacged
48
What is the most common complication of cataract surgery
1 in 10 will need further laser surgery for opacification behind posterior capsule
49
What is the criteria for Group I license in cataracts
1. Read a number plate more than 20m | 2. Visual acuity must be at least 6/12
50
What is the criteria for group II license in cataracts
1. Visual acuity of 6/7.5 in better eye and 6/60 in other eye. 2. Can't wear glasses corrective more than +/I 8 diopters
51
Define partial sightedness
Visual acuity of <6/60. Or >6/60 with visual field impairment.
52
Define blindness
Visual acuity <3/60 or >3/60 with significant visual field loss
53
Who does the decision that someone is 'blind' lie with
Local authorities. opthalmologists make an application which Is voluntary, not statutory.
54
What is the advantage of claiming blindness
Benefits Reduction TV fees Trave concession Tax allowances
55
What are the 3 most common cause of blindness worldwide
1. Cataracts 2. Glaucoma 3. Age-related macular degeneration

Ophthalmology (12 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions