02 Optics & Refractive Errors Flashcards
Define axial length of the eyeball
Distance between the corneal surface and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch’s membrane
When does the majority of axial lengthening of the eye occur?
First 3 - 6 months of life
What are the axial lengths of the eyeballs for newborns, 3 year olds, and adults (13 onwards)?
Newborns: 16mm
3 years: 22.5mm
13+ years: 24mm
What is the length from the lens to the retina in adults?
17mm
Which part of the eye is responsible for the greatest refraction of light?
Cornea (40D)
Lens is 20D
D = power in diopters
Define myopia
Principle focus of light lies before reaching the retina.
Low: -6D
What are the causes of myopia?
Large eyes (axial length > 24mm) —> Axial myopia
High refractive power (e.g. in keratoconus, nuclear sclerotic cataract)
—> Index myopia
List some methods that can be used to slow myopic progression
Atropine and pirenzepine drops
Outdoor activity (less near work)
Bifocals and progressive lenses
Describe the management options for myopia
Spherical concave lenses - glasses or contact lenses
Keratorefractive surgery - laser ablation of the central corneal tissue to make the central cornea flatter
—> PRK, LASIK or LASEK
Define hypermetropia
Principle focus of light lies beyond the retina.
Low: +5D
What are the causes of hypermetropia?
Small eyes (axial length < 24mm)
Low refractive power
—> flat corneas
—> aphakic patients (absence of lens)
Associations: esotropia, angle-closure glaucoma, retinoschisis, uveal effusion syndrome (nanophthalmos), ambylopia
How is hypermetropia managed?
Spherical convex lenses (glasses or contact lenses)
Keratorefractive surgery - laser ablation of peripheral corneal tissue resulting in a steeper central cornea
What are plus lenses?
Convex lenses, increase refractive power (converge light)
Used in hypermetropia
What are minus lenses?
Concave lenses, reduce refractive power (diverge light)
Used in myopia
How do you calculate the power of a lens?
Reciprocal of the focal length (f) in metres.
Power = 1/f
Then determine if + (plus lens) or - (minus lens)
What is an astigmatism?
Occurs when the refractive power of the eye is not the same in all meridians (directions) due to a change in the shape of the lens or in the curvature of the cornea.
Cornea curvature often described as ‘rugby-ball shaped’
Which letters are difficult to distinguish between in patients with an astigmatism?
O and C
How does corneal shape change in normal eyes across the day?
Normal eyes can exhibit diurnal variations in corneal shape:
Flattest in morning as a result of changes in eyelid pressure and muscle tension
Define regular astigmatism
Principal meridians (termed steepest and flattest meridians) are 90° from each other.
A) With-the-rule astigmatism —> occurs when the vertical meridian (90°) is the steepest
B) Against-the-rule astigmatism —> occurs when the horizontal meridian (180°) is the steepest
C) Oblique astigmatism —> occurs when the principle meridians are neither at 90° or 180°