Cataracts Flashcards
What is a cataract
The lens in the eye (which focuses light coming into the eye) becomes cloudy and opaque, which reduces visual acuity by reducing light which enters the eye
Risk factors for cataracts
Increasing age, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, steroids, hypocalcaemia
Presentation of cataracts
Asymmetrical usually, very slow reduction in vision, change of colour of vision, ‘Starbursts’ can appear around lights, particularly at night
What is the change of colour like for patients with cataracts
Colours become more brown or yellow
What is a key sign of cataracts
Loss of red reflex
Congenital causes of cataracts
Infections - CMV, herpes, chicken pox
Pre-senile and senile causes of cataracts
Diabetes, uveitis, trauma
What does cataract surgery involve
Dilating and breaking the lens into pieces, removing the pieces, and then implanting an artificial lens into the eye.
What is the treatment of cataract
Intraocular lens implant
What is a complication of cataract surgery
Endophthalmitis
What is endophthalmitis
Inflammation of the inner contents of the eye, usually caused by infection.
How can endophthalmitis be treated
Intravitreal antibiotics injected into the eye.
