Dilation Protocol Flashcards
Dilation Protocol Learning Objectives (KEY)
Understand the purpose and indication for a
dilated fundus exam
Understand contraindications and precautions with
dilation
Important components of pre-dilation work-up
Intraocular pressure measurement; advantages
and disadvantages of techniques presented
Anterior chamber angle evaluation, advantages
and disadvantages of technique presented
The Dilated Fundus Exam
PURPOSE (KEY)
Improve visualization of the fundus (BACK OF THE EYE)
Improve visualization increases detection rate of abnormalities
The American Optometric Association’s 2015 evidence-based clinical practice guideline states that pharmacological dilation is generally required for the thorough evaluation of ocular structures.
The Dilated Fundus Exam
INDICATIONS (KEY)
Routine examination on ALL patients
For patients between the ages of 18 and 39, a comprehensive eye examination including ocular health evaluation is recommended at least every
two years
For patients age 65 and older, comprehensive eye examinations are recommended annually in the absence of a diagnosed ocular condition
More frequent monitoring with dilation is
indicated in a patient with a previous diagnosis of ocular pathology
Patients at higher risk of intraocular disease
• Diabetic, high myopia
Patients with symptoms or signs indicative of intraocular disease
• Flashing lights (photopsia), floaters, and
reduced visual acuity
The Dilated Fundus Exam
CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS (KEY)
In this part just know that people are sensible to medications. That’s it!
Also:
Narrow anterior chamber angle
• Consider prophylactic peripheral laser
iridotomy prior to DFE if angle appears
susceptible to closure on gonioscopy
Presence of iris-fixed intraocular lens
• Risk of IOL dislocation with pupil dilation
Documentation/Preservation of pupil status
• Pupil status may serve as an important vital sign
in patients with intracranial disease (coma
evaluation)
• Dilate with care in patients with recent history of
head trauma
• Unilateral pharmacologic mydriasis may
masquerade as a sign of intracranial disease
(Hutchinson’s pupil)
Pre-Dilation Work-Up
- History
- Visual Acuity
- Pupil Reflexes
- Intraocular Pressure
- Anterior Chamber Angle
Pre-Dilation Work-Up VISUAL ACIUTY (KEY)
Always be performed prior to any other procedure for medico-legal reasons Helps detect problems associated with: • Refractive error, optical media, the retina, optic nerve, and the visual pathways, however there are serious disorders that do not affect visual acuity Review lecture on visual acuity
If the pt cant see the Snellen Chart big E what are the other techniques we use
Counting Fingers, Hand Motion, Light projection, Light perception
VA
Recording in patient chart
Example Visual Acuities: VAsc: OD 20/100⁻, 20/25 @ 40cm OS 20/100⁺, 20/25⁺ @ 40cm VAcc: OD 20/15⁻, 20/15 @ 40cm OS 20/15⁻, 20/15 @ 40cm
Pre-Dilation Work-Up
Pupil Reflexes (KEY)
NOTE: DILATED EYES DO NOT REACT TO LIGHT AND DO NOT CONSTRICT
Screen for abnormalities prior to dilation Especially important to search for an afferent pupillary defect in patients with decreased acuity in one eye
Intraocular Pressure
(IOP) KEY
NOTE: (EYE PRESSURE IS HIGHER IN THE MORNING!)
Serves as a baseline against which post-dilation IOP can be compared
Normal range is considered to be 8 to 23 mm Hg
The average intraocular pressure is 15.5 mm Hg
A difference in pressure readings of more than 2 mm between the two eyes is considered significant (THIS IS NORMAL BIGGER THAT THAT IS SIGNIFICANT)
Diurnal (MEANS DAILY) variations of 3 to 4 mm Hg are considered normal
Patients with open-angle glaucoma will
often experience a mild transient elevation
of IOP following dilation with an anticholinergic agent
IOP Measurement
Digital Palpation
Non Contact Tonometry
Goldman Applanation Tonometry
The Gold Standard for IOP measurement
IOP Measurement Digital Palpation (KEY)
Simplest and least expensive technique for approximate Intraocular (IOP) assessment
• Used for conditions where tonometry
is not possible
Digital Palpation
ADVANTAGES
Simplest, least expensive
Instrumentation not required
Useful when external tonometry is not possible, for example, after penetrating keratoplasty or corneal scarring
Palpation may be the only feasible technique in patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo other methods of IOP measurement
Digital Palpation
DISADVANTAGES (KEY)
Least accurate method of IOP measurement (MOST IMPORTANT) Palpation is best avoided in eyes with significant trauma or in certain postoperative conditions
Digital Palpation
Technique
Make sure hands are clean
Say to patient:
“I’m going to check the pressure in your eyes,” then
follow with appropriate patient directions.
Ask patient to close their eyes
Feel eyeballs with fingertips through
closed lids
• Video demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fz7GXwgw3I