Cataract Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the mechanism behind the formation of nuclear cataract?

Deamidation of lens proteins by oxidation, proteolysis and glycation.

What does nuclear cataract appear like on an oblique slit lamp beam?

Central region of the lens acquires a murky, yellowish to brunescent appearance.

What does cortical cataract appear like on an oblique slit lamp beam?

Wedges and lamellar separations.

What is the mechanism behind cortical cataract?

Electrolyte imbalance that leads to overhydration of the lens and liquefaction of lens fibers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism behind age-related posterior subcapsular cataract?

Loss of lens fiber nuclei and migration of epithelial cells towards the posterior pole. Signup and view all the answers

What does posterior subcapsular cataract look like on an oblique slit lamp beam?

Lacy and granular. Signup and view all the answers

What does posterior subcapsular cataract look like on retro illumination?

Black and vaculated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the presentation of anterior polar cataract?

1-2mm white opacity of the central anterior lens capsule, commonly bilateral and present at birth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis of anterior polar cataract?

Do not require surgery and may cause astigmatism; monitor and correct refractive error. Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis of posterior polar cataract?

More visually significant compared to anterior polar cataract and progresses quickly over months. Signup and view all the answers

Where does posterior polar cataract often arise from?

At the end of a hyaloid artery remnant. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when operating on posterior polar cataract?

Defer unless significant effect on vision, may have posterior capsular defect, hydrodissection avoided or done with caution. Signup and view all the answers

What are the common causes of posterior subcapsular cataract?

Idiopathic, radiation, trauma, chronic steroid use, PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY. Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis of posterior subcapsular cataract?

Progress over months, lead to total white cataracts, may require posterior capsulotomy. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes diffuse/total cataract?

Complete opacification of nucleus and cortex, end-stage of partial cataracts. Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in the grading of nuclear sclerotic cataracts?

Evaluating the average color and opalescence of the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

How is cortical cataract grading measured?

Measured as aggregate percentage of the intrapupillary space occupied by the opacity. Signup and view all the answers

How is the grading of posterior subcapsular cataracts measured?

Measured as aggregate percentage of the posterior capsular area occupied by the opacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is an immature cataract?

Lens changes or opacification are present but not visually incapacitating. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes intumescent cataract?

Mature cataract with swelling, may lead to secondary angle-closure. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes hypermature cataract?

Lens shrinks and capsule is wrinkled. Signup and view all the answers

What is Morganian cataract characterized by?

Cortical contents liquefy and hard nucleus floats freely in a loose capsular bag. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nuclear Cataract

Formation involves deamidation of lens proteins, oxidation, proteolysis, and glycation.
Presents with myopic shift and a murky, yellowish to brunescent appearance in the central lens region.

Cortical Cataract

Identified by wedge-shaped opacities and lamellar separations on oblique slit lamp examination.
Caused by electrolyte imbalance, leading to lens overhydration and liquefaction, contributing to glare.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataract

Characterized by loss of lens fiber nuclei and migration of epithelial cells towards the posterior pole.
Appears lacy and granular under oblique slit lamp; shows black, vaculated features on retro illumination.
Develops idiopathically, from radiation, trauma, chronic steroid use, or after pars plana vitrectomy.

Anterior Polar Cataract

Presents as 1-2 mm white opacity in the central anterior lens capsule, often bilateral and present at birth.
Typically does not require surgery; associated with astigmatism, necessitating monitoring and refractive correction.

Prognosis

Posterior polar cataracts are visually significant and progress rapidly, often necessitating surgical interventions like posterior capsulotomy.
Anterior polar cataracts are stable and usually manageable without surgery.

Cataract Classification

Total cataract features complete opacification of both nucleus and cortex, marking end-stage partial cataracts.
Immature cataracts exhibit lens changes that are not visually incapacitating.
Intumescent cataracts are mature yet swollen and may cause secondary angle-closure.
Hypermature cataracts show lens shrinkage and wrinkled capsule, while Morganian cataracts involve liquefaction of cortical contents, leaving a hard nucleus within the capsule.

Grading of Cataracts

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts are graded by assessing the average color and opalescence of the nucleus.
Cortical cataracts are graded based on the percentage of the intrapupillary space occupied by opacity.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts are graded by evaluating the percentage of the posterior capsule area affected by opacity.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the classification of cataracts, featuring key concepts such as the mechanisms behind nuclear cataract formation and observations from oblique slit lamp examinations. Each flashcard offers a concise definition to enhance understanding of cataract types and their appearances. Perfect for students and professionals in ophthalmology.