Chapter 8: Comprehensive Medical Eye Exam Flashcards
Purpose of Medical Eye Exam
To detect and diagnose abnormalities and diseases
Major parts of Eye Exam
1) Patient History
2) Exam and Testing
3) Evaluation of Findings, Diagnosis, and Treatment/Management
Aspects of Eye Function, Anatomy, and Physical Appearance and Condition
1) Visual Acuity
2) Alignment and Motility
3) Pupillary Examination
4) Visual Field Examination
5) Intraocular Pressures
6) External Examination
7) Biomicroscopy
8) Ophthalmoscopy
Visual Acuity
Testing of the patient’s ability to see distance and near
Lensometry
The measurement of certain qualities of lenses using a lensometer
Refractometry
The measurement of refractive error with a variety of instruments and techniques
Keratometry, or Corneal Topography
The measurement of corneal curvature
Alignment and Motility Examination
Testing to confirm the alignment of a patient’s eyes
Done through Cover-Uncover and Cross Cover Testing
Pupillary Examination
Examination of the pupils when exposed to light in order to detect pupillary malfunctions (EX APD)
Visual Field Examination
A test of the patient’s full ability to see and central and peripheral objects when the patient’s gaze is fixed straight ahead
Intraocular Pressure Measurement
The measurement of the pressure within the eye
Tonometry
The measurement of intraocular pressure by means of a tonometer
External Examination
The Ophthalmologist examining the external portions of the eye
Biomicroscopy
Examination of the entire eye, from the cornea and adnexa to the fundus and retina
Biomicroscope, or Slit Lamp
An instrument used for close examination of the lids, lashes, cornea, lens, membranes, and clear fluids within the eye.
Consists of microscope of low magnifying power and a light source that projects a rectangular beam that changes in size and focus.
Ophthalmoscopy
The Ophthalmologist uses an Ophthalmoscope in order to examine the fundus
Fundus
A collective term for the retina, optic disc, and macula
Asymptomatic
Without symptoms of a disease
Importance of Eye Exams
1) Detecting eye disease that may be asymptomatic in the early stages
2) Assessment of ocular health can indicate overall health
3) Determine pre-existing factors for eye disease and monitor them for the future
Frequency of Exams
Adults 20-39: Every 3-5 years
Adults 40-64 (asymptomatic): 2-4 years
After 65: 1-2 years
Established eye conditions: As often as your doctor recommends
Chief Complaint
The part of the health history in which the patient describes the primary reason for seeking health care that day.
Should be recorded in the patient’s own words
Should contain: What the issue is, When it started, How it has been going right now (better or worse), What they have already tried
Past Ocular History
The patient’s past history with their eyes.
Includes:
1) Do they currently wear glasses, or did they in the past?
2) Any surgeries or procedures?
3) Past treatments for eye diseases (glaucoma, AMD)
4) Eyedrops, prescription and OTC
General Medical and Social History
An overall history of their medical history
Includes:
1) Any current medical conditions (hypertension, DM)
2) Previous surgeries or medical treatments
3) Outright ask about DM, Pulmonary disease, Hypertension, Thyroid Disease, Neurological conditions, or cancer
Ask about social habits: smoking, drinking, pregnancy/breast feeding, diets
Family History
Ask if anyone in the family has been diagnosed with ocular conditions. There are many conditions that can be hereditary and run in families: Glaucoma, AMD, DM, Strabismus
Medications, Allergies, Vitamins and Supplements
Ask the patients about medications that they take
Ask the patient about allergies to medications
Visual Acuity Exam
This is the portion of the exam where we find out how well the patient can see
Visual Acuity
The ability to discern fine detail
20/20 is considered normal. The numerator is what you the patient can see something, and the denominator is what a normal person (who does not need correction) can see something
Snellen Acuity Test
A measurement of visual acuity by testing the ability to read characters at a standard distance on a special target called the Snellen Chart
Snellen Chart
A printed visual acuity chart consisting of Snellen Optotypes: specially formed letter arranged in rows of decreasing letter size
Projector
Another way to use the Snellen chart, in stead of printed letters on the wall, is to have them projected onto the wall using a series of mirrors. This allows us to shrink the exam room from 20 feet to 5 feet.
Pinhole Occluder
The handheld device that completely covers one eye and allows the other to view a chart through a tiny central opening
The implication is that there is a refractive error that can be corrected.
Typically performed when VA is 20/40 or worse
Near Visual Acuity
The measurement of the ability to see clearly at a normal reading distance (14-16 inches).
Can also be recorded in Jaeger notation, which has a Snellen equivalent.
Following Visual Acuity Testing
After performing Visual Acuity, you can then perform:
1) Lensometry
2) Refractometry
3) Keratometry
Alignment and Motility Examination
Eye alignment is essential for fusion, and proper vision.
Patients are tested for properties:
1) Eye movement
2) Eye alignment
3) Fusional ability
Fusion
The blending by the brain of the separate images received by the 2 eyes into a single image