#42. Senile cataract, forms, stages, treatment. Aphakia.

Question 1

What is a Cataract?

Answer 1

• Development of OPACITY in the Lens of the eye.
• Leading to DECREASED Vision

Question 2

What is SENILE CATARACT?

Answer 2

• AKA Age-Related Cataract
• Affecting Individuals OVER 50 y/o
• With 1 eye being affected FIRST, THEN the other

Question 3

What are the 2 TYPES of SENILE CATARACTS?

Answer 3

1) CORTICAL (Soft) Cataract

2) NUCLEAR (Hard) Cataract

Question 4

What are the 5 STAGES of SENILE CATARACT?

Answer 4

1) Stage of LAMELLAR SEPARATION
- DEMARCATION of Cortical Fibres
- Separation VIA Fluid
- Reversible

2) Stage of INCIPIENT Cataract
- There are EARLY DETECTABLE Cataracts

a. CUNEIFORM SENILE CORTICAL Cataract = WEDGE-SHAPED Opacities, starting PERIPHERALLY + EXTENDING Centrally

b. CUPULIFORM SENILE CORTICAL Cataract = SAUCER-SHAPED Opacity

3) IMMATURE SENILE Cataract
- OPACIFICATION progresses
- Cuneiform OR Cupuliform recognised
- Lens appears GREYISH WHITE

4) MATURE SENILE Cataract
- OPACIFICATION is COMPLETE
- Lens becomes PEARLY WHITE

5) HYPERMATURE SENILE Cataract
a. MORGAGNIAN HC
- Cortex LIQUEFIES
- Lens becomes BAG of MILKY FLUID

b. SCLEROTIC Type HC
- DISINTEGRATED Cortex
- Lens is SHRUNKEN (Leakage of Water)
- Anterior Capsule is WRINKLED (Proliferation of Anterior Cells)

Question 5

What is the TREATMENT for SENILE CATARACT?

Answer 5

• Lens EXTRACTION

** DEPENDING on INTEGRITY of POSTERIOR Lens Capsule

• Lens SURGERY
  a. INTRACAPSULAR Cataract Extraction
  b. EXTRACAPSULAR Cataract Extraction

Question 6

What is APHAKIA?

Answer 6

• Is the ABSENCE of the Lens of Eye
• DUE to:
  a. SURGICAL Removal
  b. Perforating Wound / Ulcer
  c. Congenital Anomaly
• LEADS to:
  a. LOSS of Accommodation
  b. Far Sightedness = Hyperopia
• COMPLICATIONS such as:
  a. DETACHMENT of Vitreous / Retina
  b. Glaucoma