Cataracts

Question 1

What is a cataract?

Answer 1

A common eye condition where the lens of the eye gradually opacifies, causing reduced/blurred vision

Cataracts are the leading cause of curable blindness worldwide.

Question 2

Which demographic is more likely to develop cataracts?

Answer 2

Women

Cataracts are more common in women than in men.

Question 3

What is the relationship between age and cataracts?

Answer 3

Incidence increases with age; 30% of individuals aged 65 and over have a visually-impairing cataract

This statistic highlights the prevalence of cataracts in older adults.

Question 4

What is the most common cause of cataracts?

Answer 4

Normal ageing process

Question 5

List other possible causes of cataracts.

Answer 5

• Smoking
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Trauma
• Diabetes mellitus
• Long-term corticosteroids
• Radiation exposure
• Myotonic dystrophy
• Metabolic disorders: hypocalcaemia

Question 6

What are the typical presenting symptoms of cataracts?

Answer 6

• Reduced vision
• Faded colour vision
• Glare
• Halos around lights

Question 7

What is a defect in the red reflex?

Answer 7

A reddish-orange reflection seen through an ophthalmoscope; cataracts prevent light from reaching the retina, causing a defect

Question 8

What investigations are used to diagnose cataracts?

Answer 8

• Ophthalmoscopy (normal fundus and optic nerve)
• Slit-lamp examination (visible cataract)

Question 9

What are the classifications of cataracts?

Answer 9

• Nuclear: common in old age
• Polar: localized, commonly inherited
• Subcapsular: due to steroid use
• Dot opacities: seen in normal lenses, diabetes, and myotonic dystrophy

Question 10

What is the non-surgical management for early-stage cataracts?

Answer 10

• Stronger glasses/contact lenses
• Brighter lighting

Question 11

What is the effective treatment for cataracts?

Answer 11

Surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one

Question 12

What factors should be considered for cataract surgery referral?

Answer 12

• Visual impairment
• Impact on quality of life
• Patient choice
• Whether both eyes are affected
• Possible risks and benefits

Question 13

What should patients be informed about prior to cataract surgery?

Answer 13

Refractive implications of various types of intraocular lenses

Question 14

What is the success rate of cataract surgery?

Answer 14

85-90% of patients achieve 6/12 corrected vision postoperatively

Question 15

List some complications that can follow cataract surgery.

Answer 15

• Posterior capsule opacification
• Retinal detachment
• Posterior capsule rupture
• Endophthalmitis