Cataracts

Question 1

What is Cataracts?

Answer 1

Opacification of the lens of the eye

Question 2

Describe the aetiology of Cataracts

Answer 2

Most are IDIOPATHIC (age-related)

Question 3

Give 2 local secondary causes of Cataracts

Answer 3

Previous eye trauma

Uveitis

Question 4

Give 4 systemic secondary causes of Cataracts

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Name a congenital secondary cause of Cataracts

Answer 5

Congenital rubella syndrome

Question 6

List 3 risk factors for Cataracts

Answer 6

> 65 yrs (BIGGEST RF)
Smoking
Long-term UV exposure

Question 7

Describe the epidemiology of Cataracts

Answer 7

Major cause of treatable blindness worldwide

Question 8

List 6 symptoms of Cataracts

Answer 8

Gradual-onset painless loss of vision
Glare from bright light, halos around lights
Vision may worsen in bright light
Some experience monocular diplopia
Washed-out colour vision (e.g. less richness in colour esp blues)
Some may begin to be able to read without glasses (a sclerotic cataract may increase the lens’ converging power)

Question 9

List 3 signs of Cataracts

Answer 9

Loss of red reflex
Hazy lens appearance
Reduced visual acuity

Question 10

List 4 investigations for Cataracts

Answer 10

Fundoscopy
IOP
Glare vision test
Slit lamp examination

Question 11

What is seen on fundoscopy in Cataracts?

Answer 11

Normal

Excludes other causes

Question 12

What are intraocular pressure readings like in Cataracts?

Answer 12

Normal

if elevated, maybe associated glaucoma

Question 13

What is seen on the glare vision test in Cataracts?

Answer 13

if cataract is severe there is reduced visual acuity under glare stress

Question 14

What examination can be performed to assess the severity of Cataracts?

Answer 14

Slit lamp examination

Question 15

What may cause loss of the red reflex in children?

Answer 15

Retinoblastoma