Cataract & Open-Angle Glaucoma

Key points

• Cataract: gradual painless visual loss, glare, faded colours; risk factors — age, steroids, diabetes, smoking; management is surgical.
• Primary open-angle glaucoma: insidious peripheral field loss, raised IOP (> 21 mmHg), optic disc cupping (cup:disc ratio > 0.5); risk factors — age, Afro-Caribbean, family history, myopia, steroids.
• POAG management: prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost) first-line drops; SLT laser alternative; surgery if progressive.
• POAG causes tunnel vision late — central vision lost last; screen first-degree relatives.