Loss of Vision Flashcards
What are some important questions to ask with regards to loss of vision?
Is it uni/bilateral?
Was onset sudden or gradual?
How is your vision disturbed? (Blurred, distorted, black etc.)
Associated symptoms such as pain
What are the benefits/drawbacks of an opthalmoscope?
Good definition
Can’t see much
What is an Amsler chart?
A small grid used to monitor any distortions of the vision caused by factors such as fluid leaking or anything else affecting the retina.
Distorted grid lines or grey patches indicated loss of vision
Which tests may be used to assess the visual field?
Confrontation
Automated perimeter
What is optical coherence tomography used for?
Assesses what part of the retina is affected by fluid/haemorrhage
What is central retinal artery occlusion?
An embolus lodged in the central retinal artery which causes sudden complete loss of vision
What is central retinal vein occlusion?
An embolus or external pressure or inflammation affecting the central retinal vein which causes sudden complete loss of vision
How is a central retinal vein occlusion treated?
Intravitreal anti-VegF to stop capillary leak
What are some symptoms of giant cell arteritis?
Loss of vision Headache Loss of appetite Tender scalp Tenderness of superficial temporal arteries RAISED INFLAMMATORY MARKERS
How is giant cell arteritis treated?
High dose systemic steroids
What is a cataract?
Gradual opacification of the lens
What is the most common cause of a cataract?
Age
What are some effects of a cataract?
Dazzle/glare
Loss of vision
How are cataracts treated?
Intraoccular lens implant
Topical anaesthetic
What causes glaucoma?
Raised intraoccular pressure
What are some effects of glaucoma?
Optic disc damage
Thinning of nerve fibres
Visual field defects
What is the surgical treatment for glaucoma?
Trabeculectomy
What does AMD stand for?
Age-related macular degeneration
What is the most common cause of blind registration in the UK?
AMD
What are some clinical signs of AMD?
Amsler chart distortion
Drusen
Pigment epithelial change
Atrophy of epithelium
What is Wet AMD?
Fluid elevating and invading the retina
What are some useful investigations for Wet AMD?
OCT
Flurescein angiography
What is the treatment for Wet AMD?
Anti VegF
Low vision aids
Registration
What is the treatment for daibetic retinopathy?
Anti VegF
Low vision aids
Laser (pan-retinal photocoagulation)
Registration
What finding would support a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis?
Elevated ESR
