Cataracts

Question 1

What is a cataract?

Answer 1

A cataract is a painless, often bilateral opacification of the lens often resulting in decreased vision.

Question 2

What are acquired risk factors for cataracts?

Answer 2

1. increase in age
2. smoking
3. excessive alcohol use
4. excessive sunlight
5. prolonged corticosteroid use
6. diabetes mellitus
7. trauma
8. infections

Question 3

What are congenital risk factors for cataracts?

Answer 3

1. classic galactosemia
2. galactokinase deficiency
3. trisomies (13, 18, 21)
4. ToRCHeS infections - especially rubella
5. MArfan syndrome
6. Alport Syndrome
7. Myotonic dystrophy
8. neurofibromatosis 2

Question 4

How are cataracts treated?

Answer 4

Surgical removal of the lens and replacement of the lens.