A 70-year-old patient is diagnosed with cataracts and is discussing treatment options with their healthcare provider. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for cataracts?

Choice A: Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause pain and vision loss. The pain typically worsens with eye movement, and vision loss usually occurs in one eye. Symptoms include temporary vision loss, visual field loss, loss of color vision, and flashing lights. However, optic neuritis does not typically cause nausea or seeing halos around lights, and the pupil reaction to light is usually preserved.

Choice B: Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision and is more common in older adults. It can cause blurred or reduced central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and visual distortions such as straight lines appearing bent. However, it does not cause sudden onset eye pain, nausea, or seeing halos around lights. The pupil reaction to light remains normal in macular degeneration.

Choice C: Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Narrow angle glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, seeing halos around lights, and a mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil. This condition occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked, leading to a rapid rise in eye pressure. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Choice D: Cataract

Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights. However, cataracts develop gradually and do not cause sudden onset eye pain or nausea. The pupil reaction to light is also typically normal in cataract patients.

Choice A Reason:

Weight loss is not typically associated with acromegaly. Acromegaly is characterized by excessive growth hormone production, leading to the enlargement of bones and tissues. Patients often experience weight gain rather than loss due to increased bone and soft tissue mass.

Choice B Reason:

Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, is not a common manifestation of acromegaly. This symptom is more commonly associated with Graves’ disease, a thyroid disorder. Acromegaly primarily affects the bones and soft tissues, leading to changes in facial features and extremities.

Choice C Reason:

Thin and fragile hair is not a typical symptom of acromegaly. While hormonal imbalances can affect hair quality, acromegaly is more commonly associated with changes in bone and soft tissue structure. Symptoms like coarse, oily skin and excessive sweating are more characteristic of this condition.

Choice D Reason:

Enlarged hands and feet are hallmark signs of acromegaly. The excessive production of growth hormone leads to the enlargement of bones in the hands, feet, and face. Patients may notice that their rings no longer fit and that their shoe size has increased. This symptom is a key indicator of acromegaly and is often used in the diagnosis of the condition.