Cataracts

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

• Opacification of the lens of the eye

Question 2

Aetiology/risk factors:

Answer 2

• Most are IDIOPATHIC (age-related)
• Secondary Causes
o Local: previous eye trauma, uveitis
o Systemic: diabetes, metabolic (e.g. Wilson’s disease), skin disease (e.g. scleroderma), drugs (e.g. steroids)
o Congenital: congenital rubella syndrome

Question 3

Epidemiology:

Answer 3

• Major cause of treatable blindness worldwide

Question 4

Symptoms:

Answer 4

• Gradual-onset painless loss of vision
• Glare from bright light
• Vision may worsen in bright light
• Some may experience monocular diplopia with haloes around lights
• Some may begin to be able to read without glasses (a sclerotic cataract may increase the lens’ converging power)

Question 5

Signs:

Answer 5

• Loss of red reflex
• Hazy lens appearance
• Reduced visual acuity

Question 6

Investigations:

Answer 6

not usually necessary