Cataract

exp date isn't null, but text field is

CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

Opacification or clouding of the natural intraocular lens. Associated with advanced age, diabetes mellitus, uveitis, trauma, steroid use, congenital. 

CLINICAL FEATURES

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Painless, gradual loss of vision at distance or near, Glare, Increasing nearsightedness that quickly reverses, Loss of contrast sensitivity and ability to discern colours Leukocoria or absence of red reflex

INVESTIGATIONS

• RBS

TREATMENT

• Surgical
• Small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with intraocular lens implantation
• Phacoemulsification
• Pre-op care:
  • Dilation: Tropicamide +/- Phenylephrine
  • Anaesthesia: Lignocaine 2% with Hyaluronidase given as subtenon, peribulbar or retrobulbar injection
• Post-op care:
  • Analgesic of choice for 5 days
  • Neodex combination eye drops 6 hourly for 3 weeks
  • OR 
  • Dexamethasone eye drops 6 hourly and Gentamicin eye drops 6 hourly for 3 weeks
• Complications       
  • subluxated/dislocated lens, uveitis, glaucoma, blindness
• Referral criteria to a cataract operating centre
  • Best corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or less
  • Refer ALL children with cataract