This guideline last updated 07/05/2022 9:37:23

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 surgey