Chapter 12- What is low vision? Flashcards
What is a visual impairment?
A person who has an impairment of visual function and cannot be resolved by conventional spectacles, contact lenses or medical intervention.
Who normally suffers from low vision and why?
It is mainly older people who have low vision. This is because visual impairment often occurs due to age related eye conditions.
80% of people who have a visual impairment are…
Over the age of 60
Why are more people likely to experience visual impairment in the UK?
The UK has an ageing population which means there will be a bigger population of over 60’s.
What problems do people with a visual impairment suffer with?
1- They also may have other problems such as hearing and mobility problems.
2- Can experience problems with employment.
3- Unable to drive, cook, and managing money.
4- Can have a psychological impact. Individuals with visual impairment are more prone to depressive symptoms.
5- Can increase the likelihood of injuries resulting from falls
Why is the economic impact of vision loss extremely large?
Because it costs billions of pounds when it comes to hospital and social care.
A carer of a visually impaired individual can experience:
1- Depressive symptoms
2- Economic impact
3- Psychological impact
Common causes of visual impairment in the UK from most common to least common:
1- Age related macular degeneration
2- Glaucoma
3- Diabetic retinopathy
What are some of the key facts about AMD?
This is a disease which affects the back of the eye.
It affects the macular, which leads to visual impairment.
It is the main cause of blindness in the UK and developed nations.
It is the third cause of blindness globally.
This affects the middle part of your vision
What are the risk factors for AMD?
1- Age
2- Genetics
3- Tobacco consumption
4- High blood pressure
There are two types of AMD. What are they?
1- Atrophic or non-neovascular AMD (Dry AMD)
2- Exudative or neovascular AMD (Wet AMD)
What are the symptoms of AMD?
1- Blurred vision
2- Straight lines appear wavy/crooked
3- Problems recognising people
4- Things look faded
What are the current treatments for both types of AMD?
1- Dry AMD- nutritional supplements
2- Wet AMD- Anti VEGF agents
This will not treat AMD. It will just prevent further sight loss.
What are some of the key facts of glaucoma?
10% of UK blind registrations due to glaucoma.
2% of people over 40 are affected in the UK.
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
1- Age
2- Race
3- Family history of glaucoma
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Tunnel vision
What are the current treatments for glaucoma?
1- Drug treatment
2- Laser treatment
How does diabetic retinopathy occur?
Caused as a result of diabetes.
What are the key facts about diabetic retinopathy?
Major cause of visual impairment in the working population in the UK.
The number of people with diabetes is on the rise, which means people suffering from diabetic retinopathy will also increase.
What are the risk factors of diabetic retinopathy?
1- Depends on the type of diabetes and its duration- the longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to have it
2- Age
3- Pregnancy
4- Ethnicity
What is the current treatment for diabetic retinopathy?
1- Good diabetic control
2- Laser photocoagulation- using a laser to get rid of extra blood vessels behind the eye
3- Vitrectomy- where you remove the vitreous gel
What are the key facts about cataracts?
Major cause of global blindness.
Not such a problem in the UK as you have access to cataract surgery.
How does cataracts occur?
Cataract occurs when there is a clouding of the crystalline lens.
What are the types of cataracts?
1- Senile
2- Traumatic- occurs through injury to the eye.
3- Toxic- occurs due to steroid use
What are the risk factors of cataracts?
1- Age
2- Nutrition
3- Family history
What is the Charles Bonnet Syndrome?
This syndrome is when an individual experiences visual hallucination with normal psychological functioning.
What is the Charles Bonnet syndrome associated with?
This is associated with bilateral visual impairment- this when an individual has a visual impairment in both their eyes.
The Charles Bonnet syndrome often occurs with…
Elderly people
What are the content of the hallucinations?
1- Consistent themes- including people, faces
2- Geometric shapes, spots, and flashes
How would you help people with Charles Bonnet syndrome?
1- Reassure them
2- Suggest to the patient blink and distract themselves.
