adult eyes stuff Flashcards
what is considered low vision?
20/70 or worse
what is considered legally blindness?
20/200 or worse
major causes of vision loss in older adults
age related cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, refractive error
what are cataracts?
refers to the opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye
cause of cataracts?
result from oxidative damage, thickening and opacification of lens
risk factors for cataracts
increasing age, tobacco use, UV exposure, systemic corticosteroid use, diabetes, HTN, CKD, HIV, hx of eye trauma, ETOH use
presentation of cataracts
typically bilateral; may complain of clouded, blurred or hazy, or dim vision; difficulty with nighttime driving and sensitivity to light/glare, halos around lights, glare from headlights; may present for frequent changing of prescription
how do you evaluate for cataracts?
-perform full eye and neuro exam
-test visual acuity
-there should be NO CONJUNCTIVAL REDNESS OR PAIN
-pupil exam is normal
-abnormal red reflex- dull, extinct or shady
-may have hazy visualization of optic nerve
management of cataracts
-early changes can be managed with adjustment of prescription (glasses and contact lenses) and avoid nighttime driving
-THERE ARE NO MEDS OR DROPS THAT REVERSE CHANGES
-consider referral to ophthalmology for consideration of surgery if greatly affecting visual acuity or functioning
-surgery generally considered low-risk –> lens is emulsified into tiny fragments, removed and replaced with artificial lens
pre-op med review is very important…why?
alpha adrenergic antagonists such as Tamsulosin (Flomax) may cause Floppy Iris Syndrome
post op education
avoiding heavy lifting or straining, consistent eye drop administration, need for sunglasses, reasons to seek urgent medical attention (ex: eye pain, sudden vision changes, etc)
macular degeneration
chronic process that involves damage to the macula and retina
macular degeneration: risk factors
age, tobacco use, family hx, HTN, HLD
dry (non-exudative) macular degeneration
-retinal atrophy and buildup of druse below the retina
-can lead to scarring/thinning of retina and gradual central vision loss
wet (exudative or neovascular) macular degeneration
-may develop in pts with dry form
-new blood vessels form and may cause swelling and bleeding into the retina
-may cause sudden or gradual vision loss
s/s of macular degeneration
-change in CENTRAL VISION
-difficulties adapting to dark
-dark spots in vision
-distorted straight lines
-colors may appear less vivid or darker
evaluation of macular degeneration
-perform full eye and neuro exam
-test visual acuity
-amsler grid can identify central vision defects and used for monitoring
-for this with family hx of early age-related macular degeneration, encourage to see ophthalmology