Cataracts

Question 1

What is the strongest risk factor for subscapular cataracts?

Answer 1

Steroid use

Question 2

What is cataracts?

Answer 2

Common eye condition where the lens of the eye gradually opacifies ie becomes cloudy
This makes it more difficult for light to reach the retina causing reduced or blurred vision

Question 3

Other than ageing what other possible causes of cataracts are there?

Answer 3

Smoking
Increased alcohol consumption
Trauma
DM
Long term steroid use
Radiation exposure
Myotonic dystrophy
Metabolic disorders e.g hypocalcaemia

Question 4

Describe the typical presentation of a patient with cataracts

Answer 4

Gradual onset of reduced vision, faded colour vision, glare and haloes around lights

Question 5

What signs might you see in cataracts?

Answer 5

Defect in the red reflex

Question 6

What investigations would you do in cataracts?

Answer 6

Fundoscopy (after pupil dilation- Normal fundus and optic nerve)
Slit-lamp examination- visible cataract

Question 7

What are the 4 classifications of cataracts?

Answer 7

Nuclear
Polar
Subscapular
Dot opacities

Question 8

How do you manage cataracts?

Answer 8

Non surgical: stronger glasses, use brighter lights (optimise vision but doesn’t slow progression)

Surgical: remove cloudy lens and put an artificial one in

Question 9

What are the possible complications of cataracts surgery?

Answer 9

Posterior capsule opacification- thickening of the lens capsule
Retinal detachment
Posterior capsule rupture
Endophthalmitis inflammation of aqueous and vitreous humour

Question 10

Name 5 predisposing factors to cataract formation

Answer 10

Hypocalcaemia
DM
Long term steroid use 
Down’s syndrome
Uveitis