Ophthalmoscopy and Auroscopy Flashcards
On general inspection of the eyes, what are you looking for?
Ptosis/ retraction of eyelids
Redness/ swelling of eyelids
Squint (inward, outward or vertical displacement)
Relative size of pupils and regularity of shape
Conjunctiva and sclera for discolouration, redness, discharge or lesions
What does central opacity in the retinal-reflection test indicate?
Cataract
What does white pupils (leucocoria) in the retinal-reflection test indicate?
Retinoblastoma
When observing the optic nerve head during fundoscopy, what should you comment on?
Margin (how distinct), colour of neuroretinal rim and cup size
What is a cupped optic nerve suggestive of?
Glaucoma
What is a pale optic nerve (optic atrophy) suggestive of?
A number of causes: MS, ischaemia, compression
What is a swollen optic nerve suggestive of?
Raised intracranial pressure (papilloedema)
On general inspection of the ear, what are you looking for?
Inspect the pinna: compare for symmetry, deformity, scars, swelling, erythema, discharge, lesions, trauma
Inspect behind the pinna: look for skin changes, erythema, scars, ask about pain in this region, swelling
Note any obvious discharge (infection)
Inspect pre-auricular area: look for pits, sinuses, fistulae
On palpation of the ear, what are you looking for?
Pinna, tragus and mastoid process
What might tenderness of the tragus indicate?
Infection of external auditory meatus or a temporomandibular joint problem
What might tenderness behind the ear suggest?
Mastoiditis
On inspection of the meatus and walls of the ear canal, what are you looking for?
Wax, swelling, erythema, discharge, foreign bodies, bony swellings
On inspection of the tympanic membrane, what are you looking for?
Changes in colour, bulging of membrane, perforation, light reflex, scarring or lesions
In what pathological condition may the light reflex be lost?
Pus within middle ear causing drum to bulge outwards
At the end of an auroscopy examination, what else should you offer?
Cranial nerve examination (especially facial and vestibulocochlear nerves)
Audiometry and tympanometry
Examination of oral cavity
Lymph node examination
