Pupillary Reaction: In cataract patients

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Specializes in CRITICAL CARE.

Hi,

Could you explain me that if a patients is having cataract than how to check his response to light, because of opacity sometimes it becomes very difficult to check the response. Because i have seen in my ICU most of the staff they just mention cataract in ICU flow sheet, is it correct ?

Mahirn :trout:

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Specializes in NVICU, NSICU.

It's difficult to test for pupillary reaction to light for comatose pxs w/ bilateral mature lens opacities since light going to retina is blocked. Even pxs S/P cataract extraction are also difficult since procedure might have affected the nerves supplying the pupils.

Just the same, cataract won't affect movement so CNs 3,4,6 can still be assessed. For CN 2, you can put pupillary exam was suboptimal because of cataract.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

You also might note a difference in pupillary reaction in patients who've had cataract surgery. In some of those patients, the tipoff is an irregularly-shaped pupil. ;)

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