Caring for An Older Adult with a Hearing and/or VisionDisability Flashcards
Exam 2
What does visual function depend on?
Visual function depends on a sequence of processes beginning with the perception of an external stimulus and ending with the processing of neural impulses into cerebral cortex.
What does the visual system consist of? What role do they play?
The visual system consists of the external tissues and structures surrounding the eye, that play an important role in protecting the eye include the eyebrows, eyelids, eyelashes, lacrimal system, conjunctiva, and sclera.
What plays an important role in vision?
The cornea and extraocular muscles play an important role in vision.
the refractive media, and the visual pathway.
The entire visual system is important for visual function.
Effects of Aging on the Visual System:
Internal eye structures include:
Internal structures include the iris, lens, ciliary body, choroid, and retina.
Effects of Aging on the Visual System:
How do we perceive images?
Light reflected from an object in the field of vision passes through the transparent structures of the eye and, in doing so, is refracted (bent) so that a clear image can fall on the retina. From the retina, the visual stimuli travel through the visual pathway to the occipital cortex, where they are perceived as an image.
Age-Related Changes in appearance and tear ducts
Changes in appearance include:
Changes in appearance include arcus senillis,
loss of orbital fat, and diminished elasticity of eyelid muscles—usually do not interfere with vision (*exception –Blepharochalasis-can eventually impair vision)
Age-Related Changes in appearance and tear ducts
Changes in appearance include: Production of what?
Diminished tear production (*Tx-use of artificial tears)
Age-Related Changes in appearance and tear ducts
Degenerative changes affect what parts of the eye?
Degenerative changes affect all structures of the eye, the retinal–neural pathway, and visual cortex of the brain
Age-Related Changes in appearance and tear ducts
Corneal changes
Changes in color of sclera
Less ability to dilate pupil
More light needed for reading)
Age-Related Changes in appearance and tear ducts
Arcus senilis: How does it appear on the eye?
Arcus senilis – Eventually, the arc may become a complete ring around the colored portion (iris) of the eye.
Age-Related Changes in appearance and tear ducts
Arcus senilis: Who is it common in? What is it caused by? How is it treated?
Arcus senilis is common in older adults.
It’s caused by fat (lipid) deposits deep in the edge of the cornea. Arcus senilis doesn’t affect vision, nor does it require treatment.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
The Ciliary body:
Mass of muscles, connective tissue, and blood vessels surrounding the lens.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
The ciliary body: What happens to it with age? Why?
Muscle is replaced with connective tissue, ciliary body gradually becomes smaller, stiffer, and less functional.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
The Ciliary Body: What happens to aqueous humor? What does this lead to?
Diminished secretion of aqueous humor interferes with the nourishment and cleansing of lens and cornea.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
Vitreous: What is it?
clear, gelatinous mass that forms the inner substance and maintains the spherical shape of the eye.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
Vitreous: What happens to gelatinous substances overtime?
Gelatinous substance shrinks, causing the vitreous body to pull away from the retina, resulting in floaters, blurred vision, distorted images or light flashes.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
Retina: What is it?
Composed of rods and cones which are required for color perception and acuity.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults
Retina: What occurs overtime?
Accumulation of lipofuscin and thinning and sclerosis of the blood vessels and pigment epithelium
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults:
Cornea: What is it?
Smooth, clear, strong and durable;
shields eye from germs and dust;
outermost lens;
functions as window controlling,
focusing entry of light into the eye.
Age related changes in the structure of the eye can affect the vision in older adults:
Cornea: What happens to it with age?
Becomes opaque and yellow, impairing passage of light