Adult cataract Flashcards
What visual symptoms are associated with cataracts?
Visual symptoms associated with cataracts include blurred vision, glare, difficulty seeing in low light, loss of contrast sensitivity, loss of ability to discern colors, and changes in refractive status.
How can cataracts affect vision at different distances?
Different types of cataracts may affect distance vision greater than near vision or vice versa.
What does “second sight” phenomenon refer to in the context of cataracts?
The “second sight” phenomenon refers to increasing near-sightedness or changes in refractive status due to cataracts.
What is nuclear sclerosis in the context of cataracts?
Nuclear sclerosis is the yellowing and hardening of the central portion of the crystalline lens, occurring slowly over years.
How does nuclear sclerosis affect refractive power and vision?
As the lens core hardens, it increases refractive power, causing nearsightedness, which may reduce the need for reading glasses in some patients.
What are cortical cataracts?
Cortical cataracts occur when the portion of lens fibers surrounding the nucleus becomes opacified.
How does the impact of cortical cataracts on vision vary?
The impact on vision varies based on how close the opacities are to the center of the visual axis and can progress variably over months or years.
What is the most common symptom of cortical cataracts?
The most common symptom of cortical cataracts is glare, especially from headlights while night driving
What are posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC)?
PSC are opacities located in the most posterior cortical layer, directly under the lens capsule.
In which age group do posterior subcapsular cataracts tend to occur more often?
PSC tends to occur in younger patients compared to cortical or nuclear sclerotic cataracts
How does the progression of posterior subcapsular cataracts compare to nuclear sclerosis?
PSC tends to progress more rapidly than nuclear sclerosis
How does posterior subcapsular cataracts affect near and distance vision?
PSC often causes more difficulty with near vision than distance vision, but some patients may notice the opposite.
What are anterior subcapsular cataracts?
Anterior subcapsular cataracts are opacities that can develop beneath the anterior lens capsule.
How can anterior subcapsular cataracts develop?
They can develop idiopathically, be secondary to trauma, or be iatrogenic.
What is a potential cause of anterior subcapsular cataracts related to intraocular lenses?
What is a potential cause of anterior subcapsular cataracts related to intraocular lenses?
