Cataracts Flashcards
1
Q
What are the risk factors for cataracts?
A
Age Tobacco and alcohol use Exposure to sunlight Metabolic syndrome and diabetes Physical inactivity and poor diet Lower educational level Systemic or high-dose corticosteroids \+/- statin medication (the jury is out)
2
Q
What causes cataracts?
A
oxidative stress
3
Q
What is opacification of the lens of the eye which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide?
A
cataracts
4
Q
What are cataract pt complaints?
A
difficulty driving at night, inability to read road sings, decreased acuity and inability to read fine print
5
Q
What is characterization of cataract?
A
painless, bilateral, myopic shift, monocular diplopia
6
Q
What do you see on opthalmoscope exam?
A
Darkened red reflex
Opacities visible within red reflex
Obscure fundus exam
7
Q
When do you do surgery?
A
when impairs quality of life
8
Q
What are two techniques for surgery?
A
standard extracapsule cataract extraction
phacoemulsifcation
