Ophthalmology Flashcards
<p>Define cataracts.</p>
<p>Cataract is the opacification of the crystalline lens.
This results from the normal ageing process, trauma, metabolic disorders (hereditary or acquired), medications, or congenital problems. It is the most common cause of curable blindness in the world.</p>
<p>Explain the aetiology/risk factors of cataracts.</p>
<p>Age >65 years<br></br>Smoking<br></br>Long-term UV exposure<br></br>Diabetes mellitus<br></br>Eye trauma<br></br>Long-term ocular corticosteroid use<br></br>FHx of congenital cataract or congenital influences (e.g., toxins)<br></br>Uveitis</p>
<p>Summarise the epidemiology of cataracts.</p>
<p>The WHO estimates that cataracts currently account for 51% of reversible blindness worldwide, which translates to about 20 million people. There are estimates that by 2020, the number of people with moderate or severe vision impairment caused by cataracts could be as high as 57 million, with an estimated 13 million people blind because of cataracts.</p>
<p>Recognise the presenting symptoms of cataracts. Recognise the signs of cataracts on physical examination.</p>
<p>Subjective decrease in vision<br></br>Blurred or cloudy vision<br></br>Glare<br></br>Washed-out colour vision<br></br>Reduced visual acuity<br></br>Defects in the red reflex</p>
<p>Identify appropriate investigations for cataracts and interpret the results.</p>
<p>Dilated fundus examination<br></br>Measurement of intraocular pressure<br></br>Glare vision test<br></br>Slit lamp examination of the anterior chamber</p>
<p>Define conjunctivitis.</p>
<p>Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eyeball caused by bacteria, viruses, allergic or immunological reactions, mechanical irritation, or medicines.</p>
<p>Explain the aetiology/risk factors of conjunctivitis.</p>
<p>Exposure to infected person<br></br>Infection in one eye<br></br>Environmental irritants<br></br>Allergen exposure<br></br>Camps, swimming pools, military bases<br></br>Asian or Mediterranean young male<br></br>Atopy<br></br>Contact lens use<br></br>Ocular prosthesis<br></br>Mechanical irritation</p>
<p>Summarise the epidemiology of conjunctivitis.</p>
<p>Conjunctivitis commonly affects males and females of all ages. It is usually treated by general practitioners and is estimated to account for almost 1% of all primary care consultations. In England there are 13-14 cases in 1000 people per year.</p>
<p>Recognise the presenting symptoms of conjunctivitis. Recognise the signs of conjunctivitis on physical examination.</p>
<p>Watery discharge<br></br>Ropy, mucoid discharge<br></br>Purulent discharge<br></br>Itching predominant symptom<br></br>Eyelids stuck together in morning<br></br>Tender, preauricular lymphadenopathy</p>
<p>Identify appropriate investigations for conjunctivitis and interpret the results.</p>
<p>Rapid adenovirus immunoassay</p>
<p>Define glaucoma.</p>
<p>Raised intraocular pressure, resulting in either closed angle or open angle glaucoma.</p>
<p>Explain the aetiology/risk factors of open-angleglaucoma.</p>
<p>High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)<br></br>Diabetes<br></br>Eye surgery or injury<br></br>High blood pressure<br></br>Use of corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams)</p>
<p>Explain the aetiology/risk factors of closed-angle glaucoma.</p>
<p>Female sex<br></br>Hyperopia<br></br>Shallow peripheral anterior chamber<br></br>Second eye having angle closure<br></br>Inuit and Asian ethnicity</p>
<p>Summarise the epidemiology of glaucoma.</p>
<p>The number of people affected by glaucoma in the world is approximately 45 million. Closed angle glaucoma is more common in people with smaller eyes e.g. East Asians. Open angle glaucoma is more common in people with hypertension and diabetics, as well as black people.</p>
<p>Recognise the presenting symptoms of glaucoma. Recognise the signs of glaucoma on physical examination.</p>
<p>Halos around lights<br></br>Aching eye or brow pain<br></br>Headache<br></br>Nausea, vomiting<br></br>Reduced visual acuity<br></br>Eye redness<br></br>Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)<br></br>Corneal oedema<br></br>Fixed dilated pupil<br></br>Blurred vision</p>
