Anterior Segment
Cataract (Age-Related)
Also known as: cataract, age-related cataract, nuclear sclerosis, nuclear sclerotic cataract, cortical cataract, posterior subcapsular cataract, PSC, lens opacity
Clinical decision support only
OptoGuide™ supports professional judgement and does not diagnose or replace clinician responsibility.
Overview
Progressive opacification of the crystalline lens and the most common cause of reversible vision impairment in older adults. Referral timing is driven by functional impact — glare, driving standards, reading, and patient goals — not by a fixed acuity threshold. The key clinical task is confirming the lens actually explains the vision, and optimising the ocular surface and refraction before surgical referral.
What OptoGuide™ covers for cataract (age-related)
- Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting
Free clinical quick guides: symptom-led differentials and referral guides · vertex distance calculator · MBS optometry items