Cataracts

Question 1

Define Cataracts?

Answer 1

Opacification of the lens of the eye

Question 2

What is the aetiology of Cataracts?

Answer 2

Most are idiopathic (age-related)

Question 3

What are the secondary causes of Cataracts?

Answer 3

Local
Systemic
Congenital

Question 4

What are the secondary local causes of Cataracts?

Answer 4

Previous eye trauma

Uveitis

Question 5

What are the systemic secondary causes of Cataracts?

Answer 5

Diabetes
Metabolic (e.g. Wilson’s Disease)
Skin disease (e.g. scleroderma)
Drugs (e.g. steroids)

Question 6

What are the congenital secondary causes of Cataracts?

Answer 6

Congenital rubella syndrome

Question 7

What is the epidemiology of Cataracts?

Answer 7

Major cause of treatable blindness worldwide

Question 8

What are the presenting symptoms of cataracts?

Answer 8

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 9

What are the signs of Cataracts on physical examination?

Answer 9

Loss of red reflex
Hazy lens apperance
Reduced visual acuity