Opthalmology - CATARACTS Flashcards
What part of the eye is affected by cataracts? [1]
The Lens
In cataracts, what happens to the lens and what does that mean for visual acuity? [2]
The lens becomes cloudy and opaque.
This reduces the amount of light entered into the eye, therefore reducing visual acuity.
What keeps the lens in position? [2]
The ciliary body attached by suspensory ligaments.
What are the risk factors for cataracts? [6]
- Increasing age
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Diabetes
- Steroids
- Hypocalcaemia
What are the symptoms of cataracts? [4]
- Asymmetrical progression
- Slow progressive blurring of vision
- Changes in colour to more brown/yellow
- Starburst in vision around lights esp. at night
What is the key sign for cataracts? [1]
Loss of red light reflex
Lens can appear grey in tests/photographs.
What is the gold standard for treatment of catarcts? [1]
Cataract Surgery under local anaesthetic.
Implantation of an artificial lens.
What is endopthalmitis? [1]
Inflammation of the intter contents of the eye (usually due to infection post-op cataracts).
How can we treat endophtalmitis? [1]
Intravitreal Antibiotics.
