cataracts Flashcards
what is cataracts?
progressively opaque eye lens - reducing light entering the eye and visual acuity
what is the role of the lens?
focus light on retina
how long does cataracts taken to develop?
many years
can be congenital - red reflex assessed during neonatal examination
what are RF for cataracts?
diabetes
age
smoking
alcohol
steroids
hypocalcaemia
how does cataracts present - symptoms ?
asymmetrical
slow reduction in visual acuity
progressive blurring of vision
colours become more faded - brown or yellow appearance
starbursts around lights
how would cataracts present on examination?
loss of red reflex
lens can appear grey or white - seen with/out ophthalmoscope
how do you manage cataracts?
manageable symptoms - nothing
cataract surgery
what is involved within cataract surgery?
drilling and breaking lens, removing pieces and replacing with artificial lens
can be a day case under LA
usually good results
what are the complications of cataracts?
can prevent detection of other pathologies - macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy
what is endophthalmitis?
inflammation of inner contents of eye
usually caused by infections
rare and serious complication of cataract surgery
can lead to vision loss
how can endophthalmitis get treated?
intrvitreal antibiotics injected direct into eye
