Dilation Protocol Flashcards
KEY: What is the purpose of a dilated fundus exam?
- Improve visualization of the fundus
- When viewing the fundus is improved, you increase the detection rate of abnormalities
- The AOA 2015 evidence based clinical practice guideline states that PHARMACOLOGICAL DILATION is generally required for a thorough evaluation of ocular structures.
KEY: What are the 6 indications for a dilated fundus exam?
- Routine exam for ALL patients
- For patients between the ages of 18-39 every 2 years
- Patients 65 years and older should have an eye exam ANNUALLY IN THE ABSENCE of a diagnosed ocular condition.
- Frequent monitoring with dilation is indicated in a patient with a previous diagnosis of ocular pathology
- Patients who are at higher risk of intraocular disease (Diabetic, high myopic)
- Patients with symptoms or signs indicative of intraocular disease (Flashing lights, floaters, reduced VAs)
KEY: What are contraindications and precautions?
- Sensitivities to pharmacologic agents
- Narrow anterior chamber angle
- Presence of iris-fixed intraocular lens (not seen often)
- Documentation/Preservation of Pupil Status
KEY: Contraindications and Precautions
What are pharmacologic agents that people might be sensitive to?
- Phenylephrine (adrenergic supersensitivity)
- Cyclopentolate: spastic paralysis and brain damage
SENSITIVITY TO PRESERVATIVE
KEY: Contraindications and Precautions
There is a risk to dilate a patient with a narrow anterior chamber angle. What do you do?
Consider prophylactic peripheral laser iridotomy prior to a dilated fundus exam (DFE) if the angle appears susceptible to closure on gonioscopy.
Note: prophylactic means “to prevent disease”
iridotomy means “incision to the iris”
KEY: Contraindications and Precautions
If there is the presence of iris-fixed intraocular lens, then there is a risk to do a DFE. What might happen?
There is a risk of IOL dislocation with pupil dilation.
KEY: Contraindications and Precautions
Why is it important to preserve the pupil status before doing a DFE?
Pupile status can be an important vital sign in patients with intracranial disease (coma evaluation).
KEY: Contraindications and Precautions
You must dilate with care with patients with a recent ______.
head trauma
KEY:Contraindications and Precautions
Also, unilateral pharmacologic mydriasis may masquerade as a sign of intracranial disease (_______).
Hutchinson’s pupil
KEY: What is done in a pre-dilation work-up?
- Case History
- Visual Acuity
- Pupil Reflexes
- Intraocular Pressure
- Anterior Chamber Angle
KEY: Why do you need to take a patient’s case history before doing a DFE?
If you get a good history, you know what you are looking for. Ex. If a patient has diabetes, look for diabetic changes.
- Visually important in guiding the DFE
- Aids in what you are looking for during ophthalmoscopy
KEY: When should you do a VA in association with a DFE?
ALWAYS do a VA BEFORE any procedure for medico-legal reasons.
Plus, it helps detect problems associated with: Refractive error, optical media, the retina, optic nerve, visual pathways. However, there are serious disorders that do not affect VA.
KEY: Why do you check pupil reflexes before a DFE?
- You need to screen for abnormalities prior to dilation.
- It is especially important to search for an afferent pupillary defect (APD) in patients with decreased acuity in one eye.
KEY: Why check intraocular pressure before a DFE?
It serves as a baseline against which post-dilation IOP can be compared.
KEY: What is a normal range of IOP?
8 to 23 mm Hg
KEY: The average intraocular pressure is ____.
15.5 mm Hg
KEY: A difference in pressure readings of more than _____ between the two eyes in considered to be significant.
2 mm
2 mm is normal. So, anything greater than that is abnormal.
KEY: Diurnal means “a difference between night and day”. So, with IOP what is a normal diurnal variation?
Between 3 to 4 mm Hg
The highest pressure is in the morning.