Hearing and visual disorders Flashcards
1
Q
Describe cataracts?
A
- The lens gradually opacifies (becomes cloudy)
- Cloudiness makes less light reach the back of theye
- Results in reduced/blurred vision
2
Q
Causes of cataracts?
A
- Normal ageing process
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Long term steroid use
3
Q
How do patients with cataracts present?
A
- Insidious onset
- Reduced vision
- Faded colour vision
- Glare
- Halos around lights
4
Q
Clinical signs of cataracts?
A
Defective red reflex
5
Q
Investigations into cataracts?
A
- Ophthalmoscopy with pupil dilation
- Normal fundus and optic nerve
- Slit-lamp examination
- Visible cataract
6
Q
Describe conservative treatments for cataract?
A
- Stronger glasses
- Use of brighter lighting
7
Q
Describe the srugical management of cataracts?
A
- Removal of cloudy lens
- Replace with artifical one
8
Q
Complications of cataract surgery?
A
- Retinal detachment
- Posterior capsule rupture
9
Q
What is the most common cause of blindness in the UK?
A
Age-related macular degeneration
10
Q
What causes age-related hearing loss?
A
Gradual wear and tear of cochlea hair cells
11
Q
Another name for age related hearing loss?
A
Presbycusis
12
Q
Describe age related macular degeneration?
A
- Bilateral
- Degeneration of retinal photoreceptors
- Results in formation of drusen
13
Q
What are the two forms of age related macular degeneration?
A
- Dry
- Wet
14
Q
Describe dry age related macular degeneration?
A
- 90% of case
- Geographic atrophy
- Drusen yellow spots in Bruch’s membrane
15
Q
Describe wet age related macular degeneration?
A
- Exudative, neovascular
- Leakage of serous fluid and blood
- Results in rapid loss of vision
