UPDATED FOR 2025/2026.
Definition and epidemiology
The opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye
The leading cause of blindness worldwide (WHO)
Most common form: associated with increasing age and progressive oxidative damage to the
crystalline lens
Every person who lives long enough will develop some degree of cataract.
Cataract physical exam
Perform a full ophthalmic examination.
Normally a cataract will not cause injection of the conjunctiva, corneal opacification, or pain.
Except in rare instances of traumatic or hypermature cataracts Hazy visualization of the optic
nerve and retina due to the lens opacity
Poor absent response to red light reflex
Cataract diagnostics and treatment
Diagnostics- Fundoscopic exam, Dilated retinal exam
Treatment- Surgical cataract extraction
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids
Infectious or inflammatory
Blepharitis signs and symptoms
Sxs: due to ocular tear film instability and dry eye; include burning, foreign body sensation,
tearing, photophobia, itching, redness, discharge, and swollen erythematous eyelids, often
worse in the morning
Hordeolum
An acute infection of one of the glands in the eyelid
The most commonly associated organism is S. aureus.
Sxs: usually painful, In both chalazion and hordeolum there may be cosmetic disfigurement and