Medical Ophthamology Flashcards
What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM) associated with in terms of ocular damage?
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) causes long-term damage to ocular structures, potentially leading to blindness.
Which types of diabetes mellitus exist and how do they differ in prevalence?
Type I accounts for 5-10% (autoimmune), and Type 2 for 90-95% (develops later in life).
What is a stye, and how is it treated?
A stye is a small abscess caused by acute staphylococcal infection; treated with hot compresses, antibiotics, and incision and drainage.
How does blepharitis present in patients with diabetes?
Blepharitis manifests as chronic staphylococcal infection of the lid margin, treated with lid hygiene and systemic tetracycline.
What causes chalazion, and what type of lesion is it?
Chalazion is a chronic, sterile granulomatous lesion caused by retained sebaceous secretions.
Why are cataracts more common in patients with diabetes?
Cataracts are more frequent due to metabolic abnormalities in diabetes.
What are the characteristic features of diabetic cataracts?
Diabetic cataracts often present with anterior cortical spokes or posterior subcapsular plaques.
What is the second leading cause of neovascular glaucoma?
Neovascular glaucoma develops due to angle closure from fibrovascular tissue.
What is rubeosis iridis and how is it related to DM?
Rubeosis iridis refers to abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris in diabetes.
What is diabetic retinopathy (DR), and why is it a significant cause of blindness?
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness due to microangiopathy affecting the retina.
What are the major risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy?
Risk factors include poor glucose control, long duration of DM, hypertension, nephropathy, pregnancy, and anaemia.
Describe the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy results from capillary occlusion, leakage, and blood abnormalities.
What are the early-stage symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
Early-stage diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms or presents with blurry vision.
Why is regular eye examination crucial for diabetics?
Regular eye exams are essential since early diabetic retinopathy is asymptomatic but treatable.
List the key signs of diabetic retinopathy.
Signs include hard exudates, cotton wool spots, retinal haemorrhages, and neovascularisation.
What is the significance of microaneurysms in diabetic retinopathy?
Microaneurysms are the earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy.
How do hard exudates manifest in diabetic retinopathy?
Hard exudates result from lipid deposits in the retina due to leakage.
What role do new blood vessels play in diabetic retinopathy?
New blood vessels are fragile and can rupture, causing vitreous haemorrhage.
How does retinal detachment occur in diabetic patients?
Retinal detachment occurs due to traction from new blood vessels.
What is vitreous haemorrhage, and how does it develop in diabetic retinopathy?
Vitreous haemorrhage occurs when neovascular fronds rupture.
Differentiate between non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Non-proliferative retinopathy lacks new vessels; proliferative involves neovascularisation.
What is diabetic maculopathy?
Diabetic maculopathy affects the macula, leading to central vision loss.
How is early treatment of diabetic retinopathy classified?
Early treatment includes classifying diabetic retinopathy into stages (mild, moderate, severe).
What management strategies are important in diabetic eye disease?
Management includes glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and laser therapy.
How does laser photocoagulation help in managing diabetic retinopathy?
Laser photocoagulation prevents progression by sealing leaking vessels.
What medications are used in the intravitreal treatment of diabetic retinopathy?
Anti-VEGF medications like bevacizumab reduce neovascularisation.