Wk 3 Cataracts Flashcards
Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure for patients who are…
over 65 years old
What does cataract vision look like?
Very fuzzy
What anatomical structure is affected by cataracts?
Lens
Where is the lens in the eye?
Sits behind the pupil
What does accommodation mean?
Pupils constrict when shifting from far away focus to close up focus
What two structures help the eye to accommodate?
Lens along with the cornea
The lens __ __ in order to help focus an image
changes shape
What can happen to the lens with age?
Can become cloudy or stiff
What decreases as the lens becomes cloudy and stiff?
Visual acuity and accommodation
What causes glare with cataracts?
Light scatter caused by opacities
What is the initial treatment for cataracts?
Palliative measures:
Adjust glasses precription
Increase light for reading
Limit night driving
When palliative options for cataracts no longer work, what is the next step?
Surgery
What are two indications for cataract surgery?
Palliative measures no longer work
Increasing IOP
Increased IOP can lead to __ and __
Blindness and glaucoma
Why is cataract surgery indicated in diabetic patients?
Opacities can prevent IOP monitoring
What type of eye drops DILATE the pupil?
Mydriatic drops
What type of eye drops CONSTRICT the pupil?
Miotic drops
When giving myriatic drops, you want to avoid systemic effects by __ __
punctal occlusion
If mydriatic drops become systemic, they can have __ effects
cardiovascular
It helps the patient to decrease the lights in the room after administering mydriatic eye drops because __ is common.
photophobia
What types of drops are given during cataract surgery?
Mydriatic drops
Cycloplegic drops
NSAID drops
What type of drops cause paralysis of accommodation?
Cycloplegic drops
What do cycloplegic drops do?
Cause paralysis of accommodation
What is a contraindication for mydriatic eye drops?
Closed-angle glaucoma
What does dilating the pupil do in a patient with closed-angle glaucoma?
Increases IOP
Cataract surgery is an __ procedure
outpatient
How long should a patient be NPO prior to cataract surgery?
6-8 hours
What two types of medications are given to a post-op cataract surgery patient?
Topical antibiotics
corticosteroids
When is the eye patch removed post cataract surgery?
Typically removed at the initial post-op visit
Most patients come back to see their doctor with in __ hours post cataract surgery
24 hours
What two post op instructions may be given to a patient after cataract surgery
Activity restrictions - don’t want to increase IOP
Nighttime eye patch
What are examples of activities that increase IOP?
Bending
Stooping
Lifting
Coughing
Visual acuity post cataract surgery may not be…
instantly improved, may take time
Eye drops post cataract surgery should be slowly…
decreased as the eye heals
What four things will be monitored post cataract surgery?
IOP
Visual acuity
Anterior chamber depth
Corneal clarity
