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Cataract S/s Dx Flashcards

(55 cards)

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1
Q

What are cataracts?

A

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside the eye, typically caused by the clumping of proteins (called crystallins) that should normally remain clear.

Cataracts lead to blurred, dim, or distorted vision by blocking and scattering light.

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2
Q

What is the normal function of the lens?

A

The lens focuses light onto the retina for clear vision.

It is naturally transparent due to precisely arranged proteins.

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3
Q

What happens to light in cataracts?

A

Light scatters through the cloudy lens, resulting in fuzzy, hazy vision.

This is akin to looking through a dirty window.

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4
Q

What are the common causes of cataracts?

A
  • Aging
  • Congenital factors (e.g., rubella in utero)
  • Eye trauma or surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Long-term corticosteroid
  • UV ray
  • Smoking and alcohol
  • Family history/genetics
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5
Q

What are the signs & symptoms of cataracts? (CATS)

A
  • C: Cloudy/blurry/double vision
  • A: Acquiring frequent glasses changes
  • T: Tone-down of colors
  • S: Sensitivity to light/glare
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6
Q

How are cataracts diagnosed?

A
  • Visual acuity test (e.g., Snellen chart)
  • Slit-lamp exam
  • Dilated eye exam
  • Tonometry
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7
Q

What is phacoemulsification?

A

A surgical method using sound waves to break up the cloudy lens, remove it, and insert an intraocular lens (IOL).

This is a common surgical treatment for cataracts.

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8
Q

What are the pre-operative medications for cataract surgery? (ANS)

A
  • Antibiotics: Moxifloxacin
  • NSAIDs: Nepafenac
  • Steroids: Difluprednate

These are prescribed 3 days prior to surgery.

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9
Q

What are nursing roles in cataract management? (Mnemonic: LENS)

A
  • L: Layers of protection (hats, sunglasses)
  • E: Eat antioxidants
  • N: No smoking/alcohol
  • S: Schedule yearly eye exams
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10
Q

What post-operative care should be provided after cataract surgery?

A
  • Sleep on non-operative side
  • Wear eye shield at night
  • Avoid rubbing, bending, lifting, swimming
  • Report severe pain, redness, floaters, or pus immediately
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11
Q

What is glaucoma?

A

A group of disorders caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to optic nerve damage and progressive vision loss.

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12
Q

What fluid is involved in glaucoma?

A

Aqueous humor, which is produced by the ciliary body and drains through the trabecular meshwork.

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13
Q

What is the normal range for intraocular pressure (IOP)?

A

10–21 mmHg

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14
Q

What are the two main types of glaucoma?

A
  • Open-angle glaucoma (chronic)
  • Angle-closure glaucoma (acute)
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15
Q

What are the characteristics of open-angle glaucoma?

A
  • Most common
  • Silent progression
  • Drainage angle open but meshwork clogged
  • Peripheral vision loss leading to tunnel vision
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16
Q

What are the symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma?

A
  • Severe eye pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Halos around lights and blurred vision
  • Red eye and mid-dilated pupil
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17
Q

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

(GOT)

A
  • Tonometry
  • Gonioscopy
  • Ophthalmoscopy
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18
Q

What is the treatment goal for glaucoma?

A

Lower IOP to preserve optic nerve function.

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19
Q

What are first-line medications for glaucoma? (ABCCs)

A
  • A: Alpha-agonists (e.g., brimonidine)
  • B: Beta-blockers (e.g., timolol)
  • C: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide)
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20
Q

What are risk factors for glaucoma? (Mnemonic: SAVE)

A
  • S: 60+ years
  • A: African American, Asian, Hispanic descent
  • V: Vascular conditions
  • E: Elevated IOP history
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21
Q

What is retinal detachment?

A

A serious condition where the retina peels away from its underlying layer, cutting off its blood supply.

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22
Q

What are the causes of retinal detachment?

A
  • Aging (vitreous shrinkage)
  • Eye trauma
  • Severe myopia
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Family history
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23
Q

What are the hallmark signs of retinal detachment?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Sudden floaters
  • Flashes of light
  • Curtain-like shadow over vision
  • Blurred or reduced vision
24
Q

How is retinal detachment diagnosed?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Dilated eye exam using ophthalmoscopy
  • Ocular ultrasound if the retina cannot be visualized
25
What are the treatments for retinal detachment?
* Laser photocoagulation * Cryopexy * Scleral buckle * Vitrectomy
26
What is diabetic retinopathy?
A complication of diabetes affecting the blood vessels of the retina, leading to leakage, ischemia, and vision loss.
27
What are the types of diabetic retinopathy?
* Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) * Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
28
What are the signs & symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
* Often asymptomatic early on * Blurred or fluctuating vision * Dark spots or floaters * Impaired color vision
29
What is the first-line medication for diabetic retinopathy?
Anti-VEGF injections: Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept (Eylea) ## Footnote These medications help reduce neovascularization and macular edema.
30
What are important nursing responsibilities for diabetic retinopathy?
* Educate on blood sugar control * Stress need for regular eye exams * Monitor for vision changes and report immediately
31
What are the first-line medications for diabetic retinopathy?
Anti-VEGF injections: Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Aflibercept (Eylea), Bevacizumab (Avastin) ## Footnote These medications target Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina.
32
What does VEGF stand for and why is it targeted?
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor – it stimulates abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina.
33
What is Ranibizumab (Lucentis)?
FDA-approved for diabetic retinopathy, monthly intravitreal injection, reduces macular edema, bleeding.
34
What is Aflibercept (Eylea)?
Strong efficacy in improving vision, monthly to every 2-month injection, binds multiple growth factors.
35
What is Bevacizumab (Avastin)?
Off-label use, more affordable, common in clinical practice, slightly higher risk of inflammation.
36
What steroids are used when Anti-VEGF isn’t enough?
Dexamethasone (Ozurdex) – biodegradable implant, Fluocinolone (Iluvien) – long-acting (up to 3 years).
37
What are the side effects of intravitreal steroids?
Increased intraocular pressure (IOP), risk of cataract formation, possible eye irritation or infection.
38
What systemic medications indirectly help diabetic retinopathy?
Insulin / Oral Hypoglycemics – control blood sugar, ACE inhibitors/ARBs – protect microvasculature, Statins – reduce lipid-related vascular damage.
39
What are key nursing considerations for diabetic retinopathy?
Educate on strict blood sugar & BP control, reinforce regular eye exams, teach self-monitoring of vision.
40
What is Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Damage to the retinal blood vessels due to chronic high blood pressure, leading to narrowing, hemorrhages, and possible vision loss.
41
What causes Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Chronic uncontrolled hypertension that damages retinal arteries.
42
What are the stages of Hypertensive Retinopathy according to the Keith-Wagener-Barker classification?
1️⃣ Grade 1: Mild arteriole narrowing 2️⃣ Grade 2: AV nicking 3️⃣ Grade 3: Hemorrhages, exudates, cotton wool spots 4️⃣ Grade 4: Papilledema (medical emergency).
43
What are common signs and symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Often asymptomatic early, blurred vision, sudden vision loss, headache, visible changes on fundoscopic exam.
44
How is Hypertensive Retinopathy diagnosed?
Fundoscopic exam, blood pressure monitoring, fluorescein angiography (in some cases).
45
What is the primary treatment for Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Strict blood pressure control.
46
What medications are used to treat Hypertensive Retinopathy?
ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., Losartan), Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol), Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine), Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide).
47
What are key nursing interventions for Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Educate on BP management, encourage lifestyle changes, refer for regular eye exams, monitor for visual changes.
48
What is Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Macular Degeneration – AMD)?
A chronic eye disorder affecting the macula, leading to central vision loss.
49
What are the types of Macular Degeneration?
Dry AMD (Nonexudative) – most common, slow progression; Wet AMD (Exudative) – less common but more severe.
50
What are risk factors for Macular Degeneration?
Age 60+, family history, smoking, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, prolonged UV exposure, poor diet.
51
What are signs and symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
Blurred or fuzzy central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, straight lines appear wavy, central blind spot.
52
How is Macular Degeneration diagnosed?
Amsler Grid Test, dilated eye exam, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography.
53
What treatments are available for Dry AMD?
No cure, but progression can be slowed with AREDS2 formula supplements, healthy diet, regular eye exams.
54
What treatments are available for Wet AMD?
Anti-VEGF injections, photodynamic therapy, laser coagulation (rarely used).
55
What are nursing considerations for Macular Degeneration?
Encourage use of Amsler grid, promote smoking cessation, monitor for vision changes, support vision aids.

Ortho (2 decks)

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