Cataracts Flashcards
What are cataracts?
Lens in the eye becoming cloudy and opaque, reducing visual acuity by reducing the light that enters the eye.
What is the effect of the ciliary body contracting/relaxing on the lens?
Contraction - lens thickens as tension is released.
Relaxation - lens thins as tension is applied.
Does the lens have a blood supply?
No, it is nourished by the surrounding fluid.
What are the two main ages of presentation for cataracts?
- Elderly population - usually with risk factors
2. Neonates - can be diagnosed with red reflex during neonatal examination
What are the risk factors for cataracts?
Increasing age, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, steroids, hypocalcaemia.
What is the typical presentation of cataracts (timeframe, unilateral/bilateral)?
Usually unilateral, very slow reduction in vision, progressive blurring.
What are the key signs for cataracts?
- Change of colour vision (colours become more brown/yellow)
- Starbursts can appear around lights, particularly at night time.
- Loss of red reflex
How are cataracts managed?
- Can be left if symptoms manageable.
2. Surgery - drilling and breaking lens, remove pieces, implanting artificial lens.
What can cataracts disguise?
Other eye pathologies
What is the severe complication of cataract surgery and how is it treated?
Endophthalmitis - inflammation of inner contents of the eye (infection), treated with intravitreal antibiotics injected into the eye.
