Cataracts

Question 1

Define cataracts

Answer 1

Opacification of the lens of the eye

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of cataracts?

Answer 2

• Aging (Idiopathic –most common cause, also known as senile cataracts)

Secondary Local:
• Trauma
• Uveitis
• Intraocular tumours e.g. retinoblastomas.
• Metabolic disorders e.g. DM, Wilson’s disease, galactosaemia and hypocalcaemia.
• Myotonal dystrophy -
• Infections e.g. rubella
• Drugs e.g. steroids
• Genetic disorders e.g. Down’s syndrome.
• Atopic dermatitis (10%)

Question 3

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Answer 3

• Gradual, painless loss of vision
• Difficulties with reading
• Failure to recognise faces
• Diplopia in one eye
• Haloes
• Nuclear Sclerosis: reduced contrast, reduced colour intensity
• Cortical: light scatter, glare, difficulty reading
• Posterior subscapular: difficulty reading
• Paediatric cataracts: usually congenital

Question 4

What are the signs of cataracts?

Answer 4

• Opacities seen as defects in red reflex at 60cm from eye
• Reduced visual acuity
• Loss of contrast sensitivity

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for cataracts?

Answer 5

• Glare vision test

* Slit lamp examination of anterior chamber