Author, Donkey, Bureaucrats, Administrators
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==Introduction==
[[Image:Cataract donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Complete visual impairment from advanced cataract
with continual miosis. (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
A high proportion of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary’s] herd is elderly and so acquired, diffuse cataracts are very common. These are easily diagnosed.
==Clinical Signs==
* The '''lens is obviously opaque''' and the '''pupil fully dilated in severe cases'''
* There is '''reduced vision''', especially in dim light
* '''Lack of a pupillary light response''' (PLR) indicates an advanced condition
* They can be unilateral or bilateral
==Diagnosis==
'''Pupillary dilation''' should be achieved prior to ophthalmoscopy to check the extent of the cataract, to rule out [[Lens Luxation - Donkey|lens luxation]] and to check the fundus for [[Uveitis - Donkey|recurrent uveitis]], which will eventually cause cataracts. As most cases are secondary to [[Uveitis - Donkey|recurrent uveitis]], '''posterior synechiae''' develop due to the inflammatory response.
<u>'''Nuclear sclerosis'''</u> can be mistaken for cataracts. This is a normal ageing response as the lens hardens and takes on a
‘pearl-like’ appearance. However, the fundus is still visible through this.
==Treatment==
'''Surgery'''' to remove the lens is useful in cases of''' congenital cataracts'''. The optimal age for surgery is during the first few months. If [[Uveitis - Donkey|recurrent uveitis]] has occurred then the success rates are lower.
==References==
* Grove, V. (2008) Conditions of the eye In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 11
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