ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH EYE AND VISION DISORDER Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Snellen chart?
To measure distance visual acuity
The Snellen chart is composed of rows of progressively smaller letters.
What does a visual acuity of 20/200 indicate?
A person can see an object from 20 feet away that a person with 20/20 vision can see from 200 feet away
20/20 is considered the standard of normal vision.
What is the function of the Rosenbaum pocket screener?
To measure near visual acuity
What should a patient wear during the Snellen chart test?
Distance correction (eyeglasses or contact lenses)
What is the significance of a pinhole occluder in vision testing?
It helps determine if the patient has refractive errors if they cannot read the 20/20 line
What does ‘hand motion’ (HM) vision mean?
The patient can perceive hand movements but cannot count fingers
Define ptosis.
Drooping eyelid
What is nystagmus?
Involuntary rhythmic movement of the eyeball
What does direct ophthalmoscopy examine?
The patient’s retina
What is assessed during indirect ophthalmoscopy?
The health of the fundus and detection of lesions
What is the purpose of the slit-lamp examination?
To examine the eye with magnification of 10-40 times
What are polychromatic plates used for?
To test color vision deficits
What is the Amsler grid used for?
To test for macular problems
What is the role of ultrasonography in eye examinations?
To diagnose conditions when the view of the retina is obscured
What does optical coherence tomography involve?
Low-coherence interferometry
What is fluorescein angiography?
An invasive procedure that uses fluorescein dye to visualize retinal vessels
What is tonometry used for?
To measure intraocular pressure (IOP)
What are the normal ranges for intraocular pressure?
10-21 mm Hg
What is the primary goal of glaucoma treatment?
To prevent further optic nerve damage
What are the types of glaucoma?
- Open angle
- Angle closure
- Congenital
- Associated with other conditions (e.g., DM)
What is the leading cause of blindness in the world?
Cataracts
What are the three types of cataracts?
- Traumatic
- Congenital
- Senile cataract
What are common clinical manifestations of cataracts?
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to glare
- Reduced visual acuity
What is phacoemulsification?
A method of cataract surgery that uses ultrasonic devices to remove the lens
What does the term ‘aphakic’ refer to?
A patient without a crystalline lens
What is the purpose of ophthalmic medications?
To treat various eye conditions, including glaucoma
What does the term ‘mydriatics’ refer to?
Medications that dilate the pupils
What is the main barrier to ophthalmic medication absorption?
The size of the conjunctival sac
What are the clinical manifestations of glaucoma?
- Peripheral vision loss
- Blurring
- Halos
- Difficulty focusing
What does the term ‘legal blindness’ refer to?
Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) that does not exceed 20/200
True or False: The ability of the eye to absorb medication is high.
False
What does the ‘clock method’ help with in patient care?
Describing the placement of food items for visually impaired patients
What is the significance of the visual field testing (perimetry)?
Helps identify blind areas in the visual field
What is injected into the space between the cornea and the lens during cataract surgery?
Clear gel
This gel prevents the space from collapsing and facilitates insertion of the IOL.
What is the term for a patient after removal of the crystalline lens?
Aphakic
This term means the patient is without a lens.
List the types of lens replacement options available after cataract surgery.
- Aphakic Eyeglasses
- Contact Lenses
- IOL Implants
What preoperative tests may be prescribed based on a patient’s medical history?
CBC, ECG, urinalysis
These tests are only prescribed if indicated.
How long should anticoagulant therapy be withheld before cataract surgery?
5-7 days
This is to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
What did a study show about the risk of adverse events for patients continuing anticoagulant therapy before cataract surgery?
Very low risk
The study speculated that regular users of these medications may not need to discontinue them prior to surgery.
How often should dilating drops be administered before cataract surgery?
Every 10 minutes for four doses
This should be done at least 1 hour before surgery.
What types of drops may be administered prophylactically before cataract surgery?
- Antibiotic drops
- Corticosteroid drops
- Anti-inflammatory drops
What should postoperative instructions include for the patient?
How to protect the eye, administer medications, recognize signs of complications, obtain emergency care
This includes verbal and written instructions.
What type of analgesic agent may be recommended for postoperative discomfort?
Mild analgesic agent, such as acetaminophen
What types of eye drops or ointments are prescribed postoperatively?
- Antibiotic drops
- Anti-inflammatory drops
- Corticosteroid ointments
What should patients wear for protection after cataract surgery?
- Protective eye patch for 24 hours
- Eyeglasses during the day
- Metal shield at night for 1 to 4 weeks
What should patients wear outdoors during the day after surgery?
Sunglasses
This is because the eye is sensitive to light.
What symptoms may be expected for a few days after cataract surgery?
- Slight morning discharge
- Some redness
- Scratchy feeling
What complication risk is increased after cataract surgery?
Retinal detachment
Patients should notify the surgeon of new floaters, flashing lights, decrease in vision, pain, or increased redness.
When is vision stabilized after cataract surgery?
6 to 12 weeks
This is when the eye is completely healed and the final corrective prescription is completed.