Cataracts

What are some other s/s of cataracts?

1) Decreased visual acuity 2) painless blurred vision 3) Photosensitivity and glare sensitivity 4) Diplopia 5) Halos around lights

What can increase the risk of supcapsular cataracts?

1) Diabetes 2) Corticosteroid use 3) Trauma

What does advanced age promote?

1) Water loss 2) Increased lens density 3) Dries out protein in the lens causing crystals to form = cloudy lens

How many types of cataracts are there?

3 types 1) Nuclear cataract 2) Cortical cataract 3) Subcapsular cataract

When should the vision expect to improve by post-op?

4-6 weeks

What does the pupil appear to look like?

Appear cloudy and gray or white NOT black

What does a cortical cataract create problems with?

Blurred vision, glare contrast, depth perception

Explain the CATARACT Acronym for risk factors

Congenital Aging Toxicity [Steroids] Accidents [Trauma] Radiation Altered Metabolism Cigarette Smoking

What are some other risk factors for cataract development?

Diabetes Excessive sun exposure

Why would Diamox [Acetazolamide] be given pre-op?

Dilates the pupil, reduces IOP, and causes eye paralysis to prevent movement of the lens

What does a nuclear cataract change the eye's ability to do?

FOCUS

What is the onset and duration of Atropine 1%?

Fast onset Long duration

What is a cortical cataract?

Forms in the lends and extends from the outside of the lens to the center

Does a nuclear cataract progress gradually or rapidly?

Gradually Gradual thickening and yellowing of the lens over time which results in central [nucleus] cataract development and central opacity

What causes nuclear cataracts?

Hardening and yellowing of the lens over time

What happens to color discrimination

Impaired color discrimination [blue to purple range]

Why would Atropine 1% [Cycloplegic Mydriatic] be administered pre-op?

It prevents pupil constriction. It dilates the pupil and relaxes the eye muscle for visualization of the internal structures

What can cataracts significantly interfere with?

Light transmission that impairs vision

What can happen over time to a cataract?

May grow larger and cloud larger sections of the lens

What happens to the vision in subcapsular cataracts?

Near vision is diminished. Causes a glare or halo effect around lights.

What are cataracts characterized by?

Opacity [cloudiness] of the lens of the eye

What is a common manifestation of any type of cataract?

Painless blurry vision

What are SE of Atropine 1%?

Photosensivity

What is the surgical approach for cataracts?

Removal of old lens [with cataract] by traditional incision or high frequency US

What does a subcapsular cataract begin as

Small opaque area on the posterior [back] surface of the lens

What happens if both eyes are involved?

Surgery is done on one eye at a time

What is the ONLY treatment used for cataracts?

Surgical management

Define nuclear cataract

The cataract develops in the CENTER [nucleus] of the lens and causes CENTRAL opacity [cloudiness]

Why is it called subcapsular?

The cataract forms beneath the lens capsule [the lens capsule is a small membrane sac that encloses the lens]

What is a subcapsular cataract?

The cataract forms in the back of the lens

What happens to the light that enters the eye?

The light that enters the eye scatters

What is the most common type of cataract?

The nuclear cataract

The TYPE of cataract is defined by..?

Their location

What does cortical cataract refer to?

WHITE opacities that develop in the lens cortex [peripheral outside edge of the lens] and extends to the outside of the lens to the center

Do subcapsular cataracts develop rapidly?

Yes. symptoms can become noticeable in months.

What signs of infection should be reported?

green or yellow discharge