Nuclear Cataract

Question 1

What causes grey white opacities in a nuclear cataract?

Answer 1

Hardening of the nucleus causes protein changes which causes protein denaturing which then causes that protein to become opaque

Question 2

What is the issue for the surgeons with nuclear cataract?

Answer 2

It’s hard to fragment during pharmacoemulsification

Question 3

With protein changes, what else can opacities be accompanied with?

Answer 3

An accumulation of chromophores

Question 4

Describe chromophores:

Answer 4

They are responsible for colour and the molecules absorb light which reduces retinal illumination which impacts contrast which reduces the va

Question 5

Which part of the spectrum are chromophores more concentrated in? And what occurs with that?

Answer 5

Blue end of the spectrum which means there’s a lack of blue light which causes a domination of non absorbed yellow light which makes the lens appear yellow/brownish

Question 6

What does lens sclerosis cause regarding refractive error?

Answer 6

It causes an increase of refractive index which then causes a myopic shift

Question 7

If the px has a nuclear cataract with minimal opacities and underwent a myopic shift, can VA be improved anyway?

Answer 7

Yes an update of refractive correction will restore VA

Question 8

In nuclear cataract, does yellowing of the lens and grey white opacities occur together or independently?

Answer 8

They can occur together or independently

Question 9

Is a myopic shift always going to appear with a nuclear cataract?

Answer 9

No, it may appear or may not

Question 10

What are the symptoms of a nuclear cataract?

Answer 10

• blur (abb, myopic shift)
• glare
• altered colour vision