YEAR 04 • MAJOR CLINICAL DISCIPLINES

Ophthalmology

20 learning units • 100 chapter sections • 200 explained questions. Assess visual symptoms, recognise sight-threatening disease and plan safe treatment, referral and follow-up.

Original RAHBAR study material for the Year 4 learning pathway. Clinical cases support supervised undergraduate learning. Treatment choices, doses and procedures must follow current local protocols and the responsible clinical team. References & further reading ↓

MODULE 07 / 20

Cataract & Lens Disorders

Assess gradual visual loss, discuss surgery and recognise postoperative warning signs.

Answer all 10 questions, then submit to see your score and explanations. This is a self-study exercise; results are not saved.

Question 01. Which symptom pattern is typical of uncomplicated cataract? A. Sudden painful blindnessB. New curtain across the fieldC. Brief binocular diplopia onlyD. Gradual painless blur with glare

Question 02. What should guide referral for cataract surgery? A. A single acuity threshold aloneB. Functional impact, examination and patient prioritiesC. Age aloneD. Lens colour alone

Question 03. Why assess the retina before attributing all blur to cataract? A. Cataract prevents every retinal disorderB. Retinal examination determines hearingC. Retinal disease may coexist and limit benefitD. Lens opacity proves normal optic nerves

Question 04. What is biometry used for in cataract planning? A. Estimating intraocular lens powerB. Measuring blood glucoseC. Diagnosing conjunctivitisD. Testing colour discrimination alone

Question 05. Which counselling statement is appropriate? A. Perfect unaided vision is guaranteedB. Complications cannot occurC. Spectacles may still be required after surgeryD. Follow-up is never needed

Question 06. Increasing pain and visual loss after cataract surgery requires what? A. Waiting for routine reviewB. New reading glasses without examinationC. Automatic reassurance about normal recoveryD. Urgent ophthalmic assessment

Question 07. What commonly replaces the removed cataractous lens? A. An intraocular lensB. A retinal implant in every caseC. A contact lens permanently sutured to the lidD. A corneal graft in every case

Question 08. Later blur due to posterior capsule opacification may be treated how? A. Repeated cataract extraction in every caseB. Antibiotics for all patientsC. Appropriate laser capsulotomy after assessmentD. No examination because it is always benign

Question 09. Lens displacement after trauma should prompt what? A. Routine reassurance without examinationB. Specialist assessment for associated injuryC. Immediate spectacle purchase onlyD. Assumption that the retina is normal

Question 10. Why provide postoperative instructions in an accessible format? A. To replace informed consentB. To avoid all follow-upC. To guarantee no adverse effectsD. To support correct treatment and timely recognition of problems

0 / 10 answered

References & Further Reading

Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.

NICE NG77 — Cataracts in adults

Reference review: 28 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.