Vision and Hearing Wellness Flashcards
Smooth, clear, strong and durable; shields eye from germs and dust; outer most lens; functions as window controlling, focusing entry of light into the
eye
Cornea
Coloured part of the eye; controls light levels inside the eye similar to the aperture on a camera; round opening at center is the pupil; iris embedded
with tiny muscles that dilate (widen) and constrict (narrow) pupil size
Iris
Situated behind iris, focuses light onto the retina
Lens
- Converts visual stimuli into neural impulse messages to the optic nerve
Retina
Which statement about age-related changes
that affect vision is true?
* A Gradual age-related changes in vision have an
immense impact on the older adult’s quality of life
* B Age-related changes affect all the structures
involved in visual function
* C The size of the pupil enlarges, which causes more
light to reach the retina
* D Arcus senilis is a rare age-related change associated
with protein accumulation
Age-related changes affect all the
structures involved in visual function
* Age-related changes affect all the structures involved in visual function and alter visual
perception for the older adult. In the absence of disease processes, these gradual changes have
only a subtle impact on the daily activities of the
older person
Mild Visual Impairments
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
- Glare sensitivity
- Increased lighting requirements
- Decreased ability to focus close up
- Decreased depth perception
4 Common Eye
Conditions
affecting the
older adult…
CATARACTS
MACULAR DEGENERATION
GLAUCOMA
RETINAL NEUROPATHY
Opacification of the
lens
* Transmission of light
to retina is reduced
* Leading cause of
visual impairment in
older adults
CATARACT
RISK FACTORS OF CATARACT
- Systemic disease, malnutrition, trauma, medications, advanced age
- Head and neck radiation
- Smoking and sunlight exposure
Is the functional centre of
the retina
- Macula
Deposits of retinal pigment called drusen build up in the macula
- Death of photoreceptors
- Later stages – new blood vessel formation and bleeding in the subretinal space
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
(AMD)
Risk Factors for AMD
- Advanced age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Exposure to sunlight
Management for AMD
Modifiable risk factors
– smoking and
nutrition
* Nutritional
supplements –
Vitamin C, E, Betacarotene, zinc oxide
and cupric oxide
* Monitoring and follow
up with
ophthalmologists and
vision rehab (assists
with compensation)
- Optic nerve
damaged by an
abnormal buildup
of aqueous humor
in the eye
Glaucoma
a clear fluid
which normally
maintains eye
pressure
Aqueous humour