Cataract

Question 1

What is cataract?

Answer 1

Opacification of the natural crystalline lens leading to gradual deterioration in vision.

Question 2

What are three main types of cataract?

Answer 2

1) Nuclear sclerosis
2) Cortical
3) Posterior sub-capsular (corticosteroids, uveitis)

Question 3

Treatments for cataract include….

Answer 3

1) Refraction –> Myopic spectacle lenses

2) Surgery –> Cataract removal by phako-emulsification and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens

Question 4

What is endophthalmitis?

Answer 4

Inflammation of the internal cavities (Aqueous and/or vitreous humour)
An ophthalmic emergency.

Question 5

What are some risk factors of cataract?

Answer 5

1) Age related >65 years (commonest)
2) Secondary to ocular disease
3) Secondary to systemic disease –> Diabetes mellitus
4) Trauma –> Lens capsule disruption
5) Drug-induced –> Systemic corticosteroids
6) Congenital