Cateracts Flashcards
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to reduced vision.
What causes cataracts?
Ageing, trauma, congenital factors, metabolic conditions, or certain medications.
What are the common symptoms of cataracts?
Blurred vision, glare, halos around lights, reduced colour perception, and difficulty with night vision.
What is the most common type of cataract?
Nuclear sclerotic cataracts, associated with ageing.
What are cortical cataracts?
Cataracts that develop in the outer edge of the lens, appearing as spoke-like opacities.
What are posterior subcapsular cataracts?
Cataracts that develop at the back of the lens, often linked to steroid use or diabetes.
What is the pathophysiology of cataracts?
Lens proteins aggregate and cause opacity, leading to scattering of light and reduced vision.
What is the prevalence of cataracts?
Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment globally, especially in older adults.
What are the main risk factors for cataracts?
Age, diabetes, smoking, UV light exposure, prolonged steroid use, and family history.
What clinical signs suggest cataracts?
Reduced red reflex, visual acuity loss, and visible lens opacity on slit-lamp examination.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Based on clinical history, visual acuity testing, and slit-lamp examination.
What are the key differential diagnoses for cataracts?
Refractive errors, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or corneal opacities.
What is the conservative management of cataracts?
Optimising vision with glasses or contact lenses if surgery is not yet needed.
What is the surgical treatment for cataracts?
Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is the standard surgical procedure.
What is the role of phacoemulsification in cataract surgery?
It involves breaking up and removing the cloudy lens using ultrasound, followed by lens replacement.
What are the potential complications of cataract surgery?
Infection, posterior capsule opacification, retinal detachment, or intraocular pressure changes.
What are posterior capsule opacifications (PCOs)?
A common complication of cataract surgery where the lens capsule becomes cloudy over time.
How are posterior capsule opacifications managed?
Treated with YAG laser capsulotomy to restore vision.
What lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cataracts?
Smoking cessation, wearing UV-protective eyewear, and managing diabetes effectively.
How does diabetes increase the risk of cataracts?
High glucose levels cause lens swelling and protein glycation, accelerating cataract formation.
What medications are associated with cataract formation?
Long-term corticosteroids are a common medication linked to cataracts.
What role does ultraviolet (UV) light play in cataract formation?
UV light exposure damages lens proteins, increasing the risk of cataracts over time.
Why is early detection of cataracts important?
Early detection allows timely intervention to prevent vision impairment and maintain quality of life.
How do cataracts impact daily life?
They cause difficulty with reading, driving (especially at night), and recognising faces.
What is the prognosis for patients after cataract surgery?
Excellent, with most patients experiencing significant vision improvement post-surgery.
