Question | Answer |
What are cataracts? | Lens disorder. Cloudiness of the eye's LENS - causes vision loss |
What are the lens for? How do they function? | Lens focus light onto retina. Made of mostly water and protein. Proteins arranged in precise way - keeps lens clear for light to pass through. |
Pathophysiology of cataracts? | In age, protein may clump together and cloud small area of the lens. |
Population of those affected with cataracts? | Over 65 years old. 60-90 % of Americans over 65 yo. More common in women. |
Generally, where does cataracts begin in the lens? | Periphery of the lens, spreading out to the central portion |
What are the risk factors for cataracts? | - Aging- smoking- Congenital defect (German measles during pregnancy)- Long term use of coricosteroid drugs- Systemic disease: DM or hyPOthyroidism- Exposure to radiation/long hrs of bright sunlight |
Congenital cataracts: explain how? | Can be present at birth.German measles during pregnancy, unborn child may get cataracts. |
Cataracts and smoking | Smoking can potentially damage lens proteins and fiber cell membrane in the lens. |
Name the types of cataracts | 1. Immature (portion of lens)2. Mature (opacity of entire lens) |
Describe mature cataracts | Opacity of the entire lensMost significant form of cataractAppearance of "frost on a window"Ripen cataracts |
Describe clinical manifestation of cataracts | Starts out small, little effect on visionMay notice slight blurred vision (looking through cloudy glass)- Dimmed colors- Problem driving @ night (glare w/ oncoming headlights)- Freq. Rx change in glasses-Double visionRipen cataract:waterfall |