Cataracts Flashcards
def
opacification of the lens of the eye
aetiology
majority of cases are idiopathic age related AKA ‘senile cataracts’
there are also secondary causes which can be split into local, systemic and congenital
what are secondary local causes
previous eye trauma
uveitis
what are secondary systemic causes
diabetes, metabolic disorders (hypocalcaemia or WIlson’s), drugs, X-ray + UV radiation
what are secondary congenital causes
downs
congenital rubella syndrome
what is a mneumonic for common causes of cataracts
CATARAct
Congenital (downs + turners) Ageing (idiopathic) TORCH infections Accidents (trauma) Radiation (X-ray or USS) Abnormal metabolism (DM or wilsons)
what are TORCH infections
Toxoplasmosis Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19) Rubella CMV Herpes infections
are the most common infection associated with congenital anomalies
epi
major cause of treatable blindness worldwide
increases with age
history
gradual onset of painless loss of vision, and colour appreciation
vision worsens in bright light (esp with central lens opacity)
examination
loss of red reflex and hazy lens appearance
reduced visual acuity
investigations
diagnosis made on history and examination
biometry which is required to assess appropriate intraocular lens implant
risk factors
age
exposure to sunlight
smoking + alcohol
would cataracts patients have double vision
yes
commonly monocular double vision
