Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Secondary cataract
  • Neovascular age-related macular degeneration
  • Retinal detachment

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • None

Advice

  • Optimisation of reading light - bright light over the left shoulder
  • Brimmed hat to aid with glare
  • Referral only if cataract stopping patient from doing things they need to do or have to do
  • Determine if patient is interested in surgery prior to referral
  • Only refer if patient wishes surgery and is willing to accept  the following risks
    • 1/100 risk of a surgical complication requiring further treatment/surgery
    • 1/1000 risk of blindness in the eye operated on from endophthalmitis

Management Category

  • Routine referral if patient wishes surgery and willing to accept  the following risks
    • 1/100 risk of a surgical complication requiring further treatment/surgery
    • 1/1000 risk of blindness in the operated eye from endophthalmitis

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Cataract surgery