cataracts

Question 1

what

Answer 1

opacification of lens

Question 2

causes

Answer 2

ageing 
smoking 
alcohol 
diabetes
steroids
hypocalcaemia 
myotonic dystrophy

Question 3

features

Answer 3

reduced vision 
faded colour vision 
glare
starbusts around lights
loss of red reflex

Question 4

classification - nuclear

Answer 4

change lens refractive index

common in old age

Question 5

classification - polar

Answer 5

localised
commonly inherited
lie in visual axis

Question 6

classification - subscapular

Answer 6

due to steroid use

just deep to lens capsule, in visual axis

Question 7

classification - dot opacities

Answer 7

common in normal lenses

also seen in diabetics, myotonic dystrophy

Question 8

referral for surgery

Answer 8

dependent on if

• visual impairment is present
• impact on QoL
• patient choice

Question 9

complications following surgery

Answer 9

posterior capsule opacification
retinal detachment
posterior capsule r rupture
endophthalmitis