OPTH - Visual loss Flashcards
What 3 things should you always test and record in a visual loss clinical examination?
- visual acuity
- pupil reactions
- intraocular pressure
What is ice-test useful for?
Ruling in Myasthenia Gravis as the cause for ptosis leading to visual impairment.
With ice on the eyes, the ptosis is temporarily & partially resolved in MG.
If Transient blurring of vision +/- epiphora (watering), what should you think of?
Tear-film disruption
Describe trachoma
- Agent: Chlamydia Trachomatis
- Prolific in arid poverty-stricken regions with poor hygiene practices
- Chronic infection leads to scarring of the conjunctiva, entropion and blindness
A big health concern in outback Australia
Describe corneal oedema
- Hx
- O/E
- Rx
- “My vision has been gradually getting blurry over months. I’m in my 50s. Maybe I have cataracts?”
- Corneal oedema. Descemet’s Membrane Folds, normal IOP
- Decompensation of corneal endothelial pump leads to corneal oedema. Usually bilateral
- Rx: topical 5% sodium chloride to dehydrate cornea. Corneal graft surgery
Describe keratoconus
- Hx
- O/E
- Rx
= Progressive thinning, weakness and protrusion of the cornea
- “My vision has been getting blurry again. I’ve had several new pairs of glasses this year, but it keeps getting worse”
- vision fixed with pin hole, normal IOP, irregular curvature of cornea
- Rx: hard contact lens, cross-linking, corneal transplant
Describe acute angle closure glaucoma
- Hx
- O/E
- Rx
- 2 hour history of painful UNILATERAL red eye with worsening vision
- increased IOP, cloudy oedematous cornea
- EMERGENCY (high IOP can lead to blindness)
- Rx: IOP reduction. Acetazolamide stat (IV & oral). topical beta blocker, topical steroid. Peripheral iridotomy laser once IOP reduced
Describe Cataract
- Hx
- O/E
- causes
- Rx
- “My vision has been getting progressively more blurry. I experience glare and colours don’t seem as bright anymore.”
- VA not improved with pin hole. Nuclear sclerosis
- age-related, drugs (steroids, amiodarone), trauma, DM, etc
- Rx: lens removal & intraocular lens isnertion
What is lens dislocation usually associated with?
Connective tissue disorders (e.g. Marfan’s)
What does “I lost vision in my left eye today. It was like a curtain came down over my vision” indicate?
Vitreous haemorrhage
- Often resolves slowly over weeks/months.
- Can require vitrectomy to clear blood.
- Risk of re-bleed.
What are important causes of vitreous haemorrhage?
- Retinal Detachment.
- Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
- Trauma
What does “Flashes of light and floaters in the visual field of my left eye” indicate?
Retinal detachment
- emergency. Review by opthal within 24 hrs
- Rx: surgical repair
What is a Weiss ring?
A floater that is not due to retinal detachment
Sign of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
What does “Sudden, painless unilateral loss of vision” indicate?
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Affected eye may have RAPD
- Emergency (irreversible ischaemic damage to retina >90mins). Lie pt flat to help maintain circulation, acetazolamide IV stat & ocular massage to decrease IOP.
- Urgent priority to rule out GCA (ESR, CRP)
- Poor prognosis of maintaining good vision
It could also indicate central retinal VEIN occlusion.
What are common causes of central retinal artery occlusion?
- Atherosclerosis
- Embolic Sources
- Haematological disorders (eg: hypercoagulable states)
- Inflammatory Causes. e.g. Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) (approx 3%)