low vision

Question 1

what is low vision?

Answer 1

-a vision problem that makes it hard to do everyday activities. It cant be fixed with glasses, CL or other treatments like sx or meds

Question 2

low vision is present when you cant see well enough to do everyday tasks like..

Answer 2

read
grocery shop
drive
recognize ppls face
tell colors apart
see you tv or computer clearly

Question 3

what are the types of low vision?

Answer 3

-central vision loss
-peripheral vision loss
-night blindness
-blurry or hazy vision
-poor contrast sensitivity

Question 4

Causes of low vision

Answer 4

-AMD
-cataracts
-diabetic retinopathy
-glaucoma
-eye and brain injuries and certain genetic disorder
-more common in older adults
-thyroid disease
-MS and graves disease

Question 5

how will the doctor check for low vision?

Answer 5

-can check for low vision as part of a dilated EE
-check the VA (near and distance)
-check if the central and peripheral vision is good
-check health of eye
-amsler, OCT and VF

Question 6

what is glaucoma

Answer 6

Increased aqueous fluid pressure inside the eye-gradual blockage of the outflow or fluid form the front chamber of the eye. Or can happen slowly over time or suddenly by an eye injury. If untreated damage is permanent

Question 7

2 types of glaucoma

Answer 7

1. Open angle glaucoma (most common / happens gradully)
2. Closed angle glaucoma (Iris is close to the drainage angle so iris will block it. Happens fast and can be painful)

Question 8

Diabetic retinopathy

Answer 8

-High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eye causing them to swell and leak or they can close which blocks blood flow.

Question 9

NPDR stage in diabetes

Answer 9

tiny blood vessel leak making the retina swell / when macula swells it is macula edema. When its blocked it is macular escemia

Question 10

PDR stage in diabetes

Answer 10

most advanced stage / new blood vessels grow which causes neovascularization. When the new vessels are made they sometimes bleed which causes dark floaters

Question 11

Macular degeneration

Answer 11

Numerous yellow drusen spots are seen on the retina.
-loss of central vision
-this effects the central vision and fine details
-

Question 12

what causes macular degeneration

Answer 12

it is not known but although old age, poor nutrition, smoking and overexposure to the UV in sunlight

Question 13

2 types of macular degeneration

Answer 13

1. Dry AMD (most common / part of macular gets thinner and clumps/drusen)
2. WET AMD (least common / most dangerous / abnormal blood vessels will form under the retina)

Question 14

cataracts

Answer 14

Progressive clouding of the crystaline lens
-Removing cloudy lens and replacing with an IOL
-Since lens is cloudy it hinders the true clear vision making it dull and yellow
-Troubles seeing at night, glare and halos

Question 15

Thyroid disease

Answer 15

Conditon where the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands behind the eye become inflammed
-The eyes and eyelids become red, swollen and the eyes can be pushed forward. Buldging eyes is usually a sign for thyroid problem or graves disease
-Causes dry eye due to the exposure of the sclera

Question 16

Hypertension

Answer 16

High blood pressure can cause damage to the eyes-blood flow effects all parts of our body including the retina

Question 17

Tuberculosis

Answer 17

The white part of the eye is bloodshot and tears are forming.
Iritis, inflammation of the iris caused by auto immune disorders

Question 18

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 18

-It is a condition which can cause partial or complete loss of vision.
-Can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam by viewing damage to the optic nerve.

Question 19

symptoms of MS

Answer 19

eye pain esepcially with movement
-blurred vision
-nystagmus
-diplopia
-dim vision
-dull colours
-pain in back of eye socket

Question 20

Marfan Syndrome

Answer 20

-Genetic disorder that damages connective tissue
-Most ppl with marfan have myopia and astigmatism, dislocated lens

Question 21

what is the treatment for low vision?

Answer 21

-unfortunately low vision is permanent and sx, gls and medicine cant usually cure low vision
but they can improve vision to help do everyday activites mroe easily or prevent vision from getting worse.

Question 22

ways to cope with low vision

Answer 22

-bright lights at home or work
-anti glare coatings and sunglasses
-magnifying lens
-vision rehabilitation or therapy