LV Research Overview P1

Cataract

A gradual, progressive opacification of the normally transparent crystalline lens that interferes with light transmission to the retina

Pain characteristic of cataract

Are typically painless and slowly progressive

Cataract

Is the most common form of eye disease and predominantly affects older adults

Morphological types of cataract

Nuclear cataract, cortical cataract, and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC)

Cataract

Is the leading cause of reversible visual impairment worldwide

Primary risk factor for cataract

Advancing age equals to what in cataract

Systemic risk factor for cataract

Diabetes mellitus is what for cataract

Lifestyle risk factors for cataract

Smoking and alcohol consumption is what

Medication-related cataract risk

Long-term corticosteroid use

Gradual visual blurring in cataract

Often described as hazy or foggy vision

Contrast sensitivity in cataract

Reduced even when visual acuity appears relatively preserved

Glare sensitivity in cataract

In this condition there is increased glare sensitivity, particularly from sunlight and oncoming headlights

Disability glare in cataract

This disability is especially prominent in posterior subcapsular cataracts

Color perception changes in cataract

Change in vision due to eye condition where commonly there is yellowing or browning of vision

Second sight phenomenon

Where there is a myopic shift in nuclear cataracts with temporary near-vision improvement

LOCS III

Lens Opacities Classification System III for standardized cataract grading

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy in cataract

This is used to visualize lens opacities

Definitive cataract treatment

Cataract surgery with removal of the opacified lens and intraocular lens implantation

Basis for cataract surgery timing

Based on functional visual impairment, not visual acuity alone

Most prevalent cataract type worldwide

Nuclear cataracts are the most prevalent type worldwide, especially in Asian populations

Effect of cataract on vision

Causes degradation of retinal image quality leading to visual impairment

Non-surgical cataract management

Updated refraction, increased illumination, and glare control strategies

Medical treatment for cataract

No medical treatment has been proven to prevent or reverse cataract progression

Glaucoma

A chronic, progressive optic neuropathy characterized by optic nerve damage, visual field defects, and often elevated intraocular pressure

Hallmark visual defect in glaucoma

Peripheral visual field loss

Central vision in glaucoma

Usually preserved until late stages

Most important modifiable glaucoma risk factor

Elevated intraocular pressure

Genetic risk factor for glaucoma

Family history of glaucoma

Common visual field defects in glaucoma

Arcuate scotomas, nasal step defects, and peripheral field constriction

Early glaucoma symptom status

Often asymptomatic leading to delayed diagnosis

Gold standard glaucoma test

Standard Automated Perimetry (Humphrey 24-2 or 30-2)

OCT role in glaucoma

Detects RNFL and ganglion cell complex thinning

Purpose of gonioscopy

Differentiates open-angle from angle-closure glaucoma

Primary goal of glaucoma management

Slow disease progression and preserve remaining peripheral vision

Cornerstone of glaucoma treatment

Intraocular pressure reduction

First-line glaucoma medications

Prostaglandin analogues

Age-related glaucoma risk

Prevalence increases with age, particularly ≥55 years

Ethnic risk factors in glaucoma

Higher prevalence in African ancestry; PACG more common in Asian populations

Undiagnosed glaucoma cases

More than 50% remain undiagnosed due to asymptomatic early disease

AMD

A chronic, progressive retinal disease involving degeneration of the macula responsible for central and detailed vision

Main vision loss in AMD

Irreversible central vision loss

Most common type of AMD

Dry AMD accounts for 85–90% of cases

Most severe vision loss in AMD

Wet AMD causes most severe vision loss

Primary age group affected by AMD

Individuals aged 65 years and older

Strongest risk factor for AMD

Advancing age

Lifestyle risk factor for AMD

Cigarette smoking

Metamorphopsia

Distortion of straight lines, especially in wet AMD

Amsler grid purpose

Monitors central visual distortion and disease progression

Dry AMD management

AREDS2 supplements and lifestyle modification

Wet AMD management

Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy