General Surgery — Flashcards

Flashcard 781: What are the primary indications/considerations for cataract surgery?

Answer: The decision is primarily patient-centered, focusing on visual impairment and lifestyle impact. (NICE guidelines)

Extra: Indications for cataract surgery include: 1. Patient's quality of life (QOL) is affected by visual impairment. 2. Patient desires surgery after being informed of risks and benefits. 3. Clinical reasons (e.g., lens-induced glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy management). Cataract surgery is not mandatory just because a cataract is present; functional impairment is the key driver.

Flashcard 782: Risk factors for cataracts: _____ Smoking Prolonged UV-B radiation (light) Long-term corticosteroids

Answer: Ageing

Flashcard 783: Acute closed-angle glaucoma symptoms worsen with pupil _____

Answer: dilation

Flashcard 784: Definitive management of acute angle closure glaucoma: _____

Answer: Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)

Flashcard 785: If primary open-angle glaucoma is suspected, the patient should be referred to an _____.

Answer: Ophthalmologist

Extra: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (usually >21 mmHg), optic nerve cupping, and visual field defects. Definitive diagnosis and management require specialist evaluation with tonometry, gonioscopy, and perimetry.

Flashcard 786: Acute angle closure glaucoma presents with _____ visual acuity.

Answer: decreased

Flashcard 787: What is the management if you suspect a congenital cataract? _____

Answer: Immediate referral for prompt surgery & identification of underlying cause

Flashcard 788: The primary cause of cataracts are _____

Answer: normal ageing process (more commonly in patients > 80 yrs)

Flashcard 789: The main presentation of cataracts is the _____

Answer: gradual & painless decline in vision

Flashcard 790: Leading cause of curable blindness worldwide: _____

Answer: Cataract