Dilation Protocol Flashcards
Purpose of dilated fundus exam
- improve visualization of the fundus
- improve visualization increases detection rate of abnormalities
- pharmological dilation is generally required for the thorough eval of ocular structures
Indications of a dilated fundus exam
-routine exam on ALL patients
For pts between the ages of 18 and 39, a comprehensive eye examination on including ocular health evaluation is recommended at least every…
2 years
How often should patients over 65 have comprehensive eye exams?
Annually in the absence of a diagnosed ocular condition
When would more frequent monitoring with dilation be indicated?
In a patient with a previous diagnosis of ocular pathology
What type of patients should be monitored more frequently with a dilation?
- pts at higher risk of introcular disease (DM, high myopia)
- pts with symptoms or signs indicative of intraocular disease (flashing lights (photopsia), floaters, and reduced VA
Contraindications and precautions of dilated fundus exam
- sensitivities to pharmacologic agents
- narrow anterior chamber angle
- presence of iris-fixed IOL
- documentation/preservation of pupil status
Sensitivities to phenylephrine
Adrenergic supersensitivtiy
Sensitivity to cyclopentolate
Spastic paralysis and brain damage
What are most people sensitive to if they are sensitive at all to pharmacological agents?
Sensitivity to preservatives
Narrow anterior chamber depth
Consider prophylactic peripheral laser iridologist prior to DFE if angle appears susceptible to closure on gonioscopy
Presence of iris-fixes IOL and dilation
- Risk of IOL dislocation with pupil dilation
- DOCUMENTATION
- they usually have a card the surgeon has given them but always check anyways to CYA
Documentation/preservation of pupil size
- pupil status may serve as an important vital sign in patients with intracranial disease
- 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
- VA
- pupil reflexes
- IOP
- anterior chamber angle
History
- vitally important in guiding the DFE
- aids in what you are looking for during ophthalmoscopy
What to get from history
-demo, occupation, hobbies
-CC plus FOLDARQ
-ocular hx (LEE, visual aids)
-med hx
LME
ROS
Meds, allergies
Family ocular and med hx
Social hx
VA before dilation
-always performed prior to any other procedure for medico-legal reasons
What does VA help detect problems with?
- refractive error
- optical media
- retina
- optic nerve
- visual pathways
- there are serious disorders that do not affect VA
What do you tell the pt you are going to do for VAs?
“Im going to check your vision” then follow with proper patient directions
-watch them and make sure they aren’t cheating
If you cant get patient to 20/20
State a reason why you cannot
Pupil reflexes before dilation
- screen for abnormalities prior to dilation
- especially important to search for an afferent pupillary defect in patients with decreased acuity in one eye
Should there be a difference between direct and consensual when doing swinging flashlight test?
No
Will direct or consensual be stronger in APD?
Consensual
What do you tell patient when doing pupils?
“Im going to check how your eyes react to light)
Normal recording for pupils
Pupils Equal Round Reactive to Light with no APD
IOP before dilation
-serves as a baseline against which post-dilation IOP can be compared
Normal range of IOP
8-23mmHg
Average IOP
15.5mmHg
A difference in pressure readings of more than ____ between the two eyes is considered significant
2mm
Diurnal variations of IOP
3 to 4mm Hg are considered normal