Cataracts and Dry Eye

Question 1

What are cataracts? What are the causes?

Answer 1

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye

low levels of glutathione results in an increase in reactive oxygen species
- ROS alters Na/K pump functionality leading to electrolyte disturbances and eventually osmotic imbalances
- oedema occurs and protein aggregation leads to lens damage and cataract formation

Question 2

How can cataract be treated?

Answer 2

surgery with lens extraction and intraocular lens implantation

Question 3

What causes dry eye disease (DED)?

Answer 3

lipid layer of the eye is compromised
- excessive evaporation of tears

do not produce enough tears

do no produce enough mucus

a stable preocular tear film is a hallmark of ocular health

Question 4

How can DED be managed?

Answer 4

ocular lubricants for tear deficiency
- hypromellose

mucolytics for tear deficiency
- acytylcysteine and hypromellose

carbomers
polyvinyl alcohol
sodium chloride
eye ointments containing paraffin lubricate eye surface

liposomal sprays
ciclopsporin bases eye drops