Cataracts

Question 1

What is cataracts

Answer 1

Opacity of the crystalline lens
1. Leads to gradual, painless blurring of vision and eventual loss of sight
2. Bilateral
3. Progressive over months

Question 2

What are the risk factors of cataracts

Answer 2

1. Aging >60
2. DM
3. Cigarette smoking
4. Heavy alcohol consumption

Question 3

What are the signs of cataracts

Answer 3

1. Progressively blurring of vision
2. Glare with bright light or with night driving
3. Changes in focusing
4. Monocular double vision
5. Sees better in dim light
6. No pain or redness

Question 4

What will be seen with the fundoscopic exam

Answer 4

1. Visualization of the cataract
2. Inability to elicit a red reflex or visualize the retina
3. Pupil is white, gray or black

Question 5

What is the goal of tx if someone has cataracts

Answer 5

Restore daily functional vision via simplest means

Question 6

What needs to happen if you visually see the cataract

Answer 6

Does not mean it needs to be removed
1. No medical treatment may be needed
2. Update prescription glasses, brighter lights

Question 7

When is surgery required for cataracts

Answer 7

If cataract disrupts daily function or causes a fall
1. Surgical extraction of cloudy lens
*outpatient
*local anesthesia
*Replace with artificial lens