Describe phacoemulsification surgery:
High frequency ultrasound breaks up cataracts into small pieces
What is the most common treatment for cataracts?
The most common treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Bonus: most common type of surgery?
Is functional blindness caused by cataracts reversible or irreversible?
Reversible (with surgery)
How are patients generally post-surgery? (well or not well)
*Bonus for 3 things to avoid/do post-surgery*
Most are well post-surgery if post-operative isntructions and medication regimens are adhered to as planned!
Currently affects Paul...
SAACTACTR
CATARACTS
Describe Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
Same as phacoemulsification but laser replaces more manual aspects of surgery
What are the differences between traditional cataract surgery and laser-assisted cataract surgery? What is better and why?
Traditional cataract surgery uses a blade to make incisions and remove the cataract, while laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a laser to make precise incisions and sometimes perform the lens fragmentation, which can improve accuracy and potentially reduce recovery time.
Which of these complications of cataract surgery would develop during the surgery and not post-operatively?
A: Posterior capsular rupture
B: Endophthalmitis
C: Cystoid macular oedema
Answer:
A: Posterior capsular rupture
What is a secondary cataract?
A high percentage of individuals post-surgery develops gradual opacification of posterior capsule that reduces vision (known as a secondary cataract)
A potential complication of cataracts...
UGCALMAO
GLAUCOMA
Describe extra capsular cataract surgery (ECS)
Cataracts can then be removed in one piece → suction may be used for smaller fragments
How does the choice of intraocular lens (IOL) type, such as monofocal, multifocal, or toric lenses, impact the outcomes of cataract surgery?
The choice of IOL type affects the visual outcomes post-surgery. Monofocal lenses generally provide clear vision at one distance, usually distance vision. Multifocal lenses are designed to offer multiple focal points, which can reduce the need for reading glasses. Toric lenses correct for astigmatism, providing better vision clarity and reducing dependence on corrective lenses.
How do cataracts cause secondary glaucoma?
Lens proteins degenerate → swelling of the lens → raised intraocular pressure → damage to the optic nerve → secondary angle-closure glaucoma
If a cataract WAS excluded as a cause of functional visual impairment, for those over 65 years of age, what examinations are indicated?
(tell me 2!)
Measurement of best-corrected visual acuity
Measurement of intraocular pressure
Dilated fundus examination
Potential part of management...
EUTSLFIIHPCOMOCAINA
PHACOEMULSIFICATION (a surgery!)