Cataracts Flashcards
1
Q
What are cataracts?
A
Where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and opaque leading to reduced visual acuity
2
Q
What is the job of the lens?
A
Focus light coming into the eye onto the retina
3
Q
What are risk factors for cataracts?
A
- Increasing age
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Diabetes
- Steroids
- Hypocalcaemia
4
Q
How do cataracts present?
A
- Asymmetrical
- Slow reduction in vision with progressive blurring
- Change of colour of vision: become more brown/yellow
- Starburst appearance around light - especially at night
5
Q
What is the management of cataracts?
A
- If manageable, no intervention needed
- Cataract surgery where lens is broken and then artificial lens implanted
6
Q
What is a complication of cataract surgery?
A
Endophthalmitis where there is an infection of the inner eye which requires intravitreal Abx
