# Cataracts --- **Cataracts** is an age-related [[eyes|eye]] condition characterized by a clouding of the [[eyes|lenses]] of the eyes. The lenses get full of clumps of proteins, which causes the cloudiness. The level of visual impairment is related to the density of the cataracts. ![[cataracts.png]] ## Risk Factors - age - this is a big one, it's relatively common for older adults - normally shows up by 70 - viral infection - [[retinal detachment]], blunt trauma, surgery - myopia - toxic factors - chemical burns - [[anticoagulants|aspirin]], [[corticosteroids]], [[radiation|ionizing radiation]] - malnutrition - obesity - reduced antioxidants - dehydration - certain diseases and disorders - [[diabetes mellitus]] - hyperlipidemia - [[trisomy 21]] - renal disorders ## Signs & Symptoms - blurry vision - can be like looking through dirty glasses - clouded lenses ![[cataract lenses.png]] ## Diagnostic Tests - Snellen chart test - opthalmoscopic exam - slit-lamp biomicroscopic exam ## Treatment The only treatment for cataracts is a surgical lens replacement. - It's outpatient - It takes about 1 hour and the patient is discharged after about 30 minutes recovery - minimally invasive - local anesthetics, with the possibility to use moderate sedation if the individual is anxious - Will do one eye at a time if both eyes have cataracts - Aftercare - it's normal for the eyes to feel dry and scratchy afterwards - patients should avoid straining or bending over ___