Question | Answer |
Name the 3 areas in the lens where cataracts form. | Subcapsular, Nuclear, Cortical |
What are the main symptoms of cataracts? | Decreased vision, Increased glare (especially with PSC), Decreased vision contrast, and Change in color perception |
What is a brunescent cataract? | Dark brown, hard cataract |
What is a Morgagnian cataract? | A hypermature cataract - liquified peripheral cortex, floating hard nuclear |
What is a mature cataract? | Completely white cataract |
Which type of cataract is frequently associated with other diseases and/or corticosteroid usage? | PSC (Posterior Subcapsular) |
What test are important in evaluating the proper IOL power? | Axial length, Corneal curvature (Keratometry), Anterior chamber depth and width |
How do we evaluate the corneal endothelium and why? | By slit lamp exam (looking for endothelial guttatae) and the endothelial cell count. Patients with low ECC may develop corneal edema after cataract surgery. |
What is the most common type of cataract surgery performed? | Phacoemulsification |
What are the 2 most common types of IOLs used? | Posterior chamber and Anterior chamber IOLs |
What is the leading cause of decreased vision in uncomplicated cataract surgery? | CME- Cystoid Macular Edema |
What topical medication is used prophylactically to prevent and to treat Cystoid macular edema? | Topical NSAIDS - Bromfenac, Nepefenac |
List five symptoms we should be aware of in the post-operative cataract patient when they should be told to come in immediately. | Increased pain, decreased vision, vomiting, loss of some visual field, increased hyperemia (Redness) |
Can you name five possible causes of post-operative cataract symptoms that require immediate care? | Intraocular hemorrhage, Infection or inflammation, Glaucoma, Wound leaks, Retinal or Choroidal detachment |
What is the most dreaded post-op complication? | Endophthalmitis |
What is Phthsis Bulbi? | End stage of diseased eye- Is shrunken, scarred, and enophthalmic |
In evaluating cataracts, what tests do we use to determine their need for surgery? | Vision contrast sensitivity, Glare testing (BAT- Brightness Acuity Test), PAM (Potential Acuity Measurement) |
How do we treat posterior capsular opacification? | YAG laser |