Eye Diseases and Visual Emergencies - Study Flashcards

A set of 100 Q&A flashcards covering AMD, glaucoma, cataracts, retinopathy, retinal detachment, penetrating trauma, ocular emergencies, and safety adaptations based on lecture notes.

Is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) considered a medical emergency?

No.

What type of vision loss does AMD primarily cause?

Central vision loss with preserved peripheral vision.

What part of vision is typically preserved in AMD?

Peripheral vision.

Which media example was used to illustrate AMD vision in the lecture?

The movie Trouble with the Curve.

What does the term 'myopic' mean?

Nearsighted; elongated eyeball.

What condition can mimic AMD in someone with a long eyeball?

Myopic degeneration.

What ocular event did the speaker attribute to AMD-like vision loss?

Ocular migraine (temporary vision changes).

What central visual disturbance did the speaker describe experiencing with AMD?

A central 'hole' in vision within the central field.

What is the treatment for AMD to slow progression?

Intravitreal eye injections.

How often do AMD injections typically start?

Once a month.

How does the frequency of AMD injections change over time?

Every 6–8 weeks, then every 2–3 months depending on response.

Are AMD injections a cure?

No; they slow progression.

What is the difference between wet and dry AMD regarding treatment?

Wet AMD can be treated with injections; dry AMD cannot.

What non-medication strategies help with AMD risk?

Wearing UV-protective sunglasses and maintaining eye health with a good diet and vitamins.

What dietary measures support eye health relevant to AMD?

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables; eye vitamins if needed.

What is a common symptom of cataracts?

Blurry vision and halos around lights.

Is cataract progression considered an emergency?

No.

What is the surgical treatment for cataracts?

Removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens.

What pre-op restriction is mentioned for cataract surgery?

Avoid wearing contacts for a predetermined time before surgery.

What is a typical post-op eye-drop regimen after cataract surgery?

Antibiotic and steroid drops, often in a combination product, on a strict schedule.

What is a key post-op protective measure after cataract surgery?

Wearing an eye patch at night to protect the eye.

What activity restrictions are recommended after cataract surgery?

No bending over or heavy lifting; avoid placing the eye below heart level for about two weeks.

What symptom makes patients realize light sensitivity increases after cataracts?

Photosensitivity and glare around lights.

What is glaucoma?

A group of conditions with elevated intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve.

How is intraocular pressure checked in glaucoma?

With a puff of air test (tonometry) to measure pressure.

What are the two main glaucoma types?

Open-angle (chronic) and closed-angle (acute).

What characterizes open-angle glaucoma?

Chronic, slow progression often without early symptoms.

What characterizes acute glaucoma?

Sudden rise in eye pressure with abrupt vision loss and pain; emergency.

What kind of eye drops reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma?

Beta blockers (e.g., timolol) and prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost), often in combination.

Why is it important to press on the inner canthus after glaucoma eye drops?

To minimize systemic absorption and hypotension.

What systemic risk can glaucoma eye drops cause if absorbed?

Hypotension/dizziness.

What is the everyday management for chronic open-angle glaucoma?

Daily glaucoma eye drops.

What is the relationship between open-angle glaucoma and chronic status in the notes?

Open-angle is described as chronic.

What is the relationship between closed-angle glaucoma and acute status in the notes?

Closed-angle is described as acute.

What driving considerations apply to individuals with AMD or glaucoma?

Central or peripheral vision loss may impair driving; safety accommodations may be needed.

What is a typical post-op protocol after cataract or retinal surgery?

Regimen of eye drops with antibiotics and steroids; scheduled doses for days and weeks.

What symptom of cataracts affects driving at night?

Increased glare and halos around headlights.

What is the medical term for the cloudy lens seen in cataracts?

Lens opacity (cloudiness) of the lens.

What is the role of sunglasses in AMD prevention, per the notes?

Protects eyes from UV exposure and may slow progression.

What is the purpose of eye vitamins in the context of eye health?

Supplemental nutrients to support eye health if diet lacks adequate nutrients.

What is a common symptom of retinal detachment?

Floaters and flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow.

Is retinal detachment usually painful?

No.

What is the treatment for retinal detachment?

Surgical reattachment; urgent if suspected.

What should you do if you suspect retinal detachment?

Seek urgent ophthalmology evaluation for possible surgical repair.

What is a common risk factor for retinal detachment on the notes?

High myopia (long axial length).

What is a typical symptom of a retinal tear or detachment related to vision?

A curtain spreading across the field of vision.

Is the finger on penetrating eye trauma safe to touch?

No; do not touch the object.

What is an important action in penetrating eye trauma care?

Stabilize the eye with a shield and avoid touching; seek specialized care.

Why should you not touch or remove an object in a penetrating eye injury?

To avoid causing further damage; seek professional extraction.

What is the immediate management for a chemical splash to the eye?

Flush with saline or water for 15-20 minutes and seek care.

What is the recommended duration for eye flushing after a chemical exposure?

Approximately 15-20 minutes.

In penetrating trauma, why cover both eyes?

To reduce movement and prevent further injury due to reflexive motion.

What is aphasia?

Difficulty speaking; can be receptive, expressive, or global.

What are the three types of aphasia?

Receptive, expressive, and global aphasia.

Which neurological event is commonly associated with aphasia?

Stroke.

What is hemianopsia?

Loss of half of the visual field.

What is a common symptom of stroke affecting vision besides hemianopsia?

Aphasia (language impairment) may occur.

What does 'perfusion' refer to in the stroke context?

Blood flow to brain tissue.

What safety aids may help someone with vision loss after stroke?

Cane or seeing-eye dog; orientation and safety planning.

Where should you approach a visually impaired person to stay safe?

From the side of their intact field (for example, the left side in the notes).

What reading accommodations are suggested for vision-impaired patients?

Bigger fonts, improved lighting, and higher contrast.

What is the correct technique for applying eye drops?

Wash hands; avoid touching the dropper to the eye; place drop in conjunctival sac.

Why is proper eye-drop administration important?

To ensure effectiveness and avoid systemic absorption.

What is the typical post-op eye-drop scheduling pattern after cataract or retinal surgery?

Intense dosing initially, then tapering over days to weeks.

What is the main purpose of eye safety after ocular procedures?

Protect the eye and prevent infection and injury.

What common ocular symptom improves with good lighting and high contrast for retinopathy?

Vision clarity improves with better lighting and contrast.

What is the term for a sudden, painless loss of vision due to retinal detachment risk factors?

Retinal detachment (urgent).

What is the effect of aging on cataracts and vision as described in the notes?

Cataracts are very common with aging and can cause blurry vision and halos.

What is a standard sign of central vision loss in AMD that affects social interactions like recognizing faces?

Difficulty recognizing faces due to central vision loss.

What is the typical management step for a patient with AMD in this lecture?

Eye injections to slow progression.

What is the benefit of sunglasses beyond cosmetic use for AMD risk reduction?

UV protection to reduce eye damage.

What is a potential real-world impact of AMD on daily activities?

Difficulty reading and recognizing faces due to central vision loss.

What test is used to estimate intraocular pressure in glaucoma?

Puff of air test (tonometry).

What is a cataract-related post-op precaution about bending and lifting?

Avoid bending and heavy lifting for about two weeks.

What is a common symptom of acute glaucoma beyond pain?

Sudden vision loss and nausea.

What is the primary cause of elevated eye pressure in glaucoma?

High intraocular pressure.

What strategy helps a visually impaired person if their reading materials are small?

Use larger fonts and high-contrast text.

What is the role of a protective shield after penetrating eye trauma?

Protect the eye from further injury during transport and care.

What is the general management principle for ocular emergencies like detachment and penetrating trauma?

Urgent evaluation and possible surgical intervention.

What is the role of perfusion in teaching about stroke within this notes context?

Perfusion-related concepts will appear later with stroke and brain blood flow.

What is the main educational takeaway for eye health from this module?

Recognize emergencies, wear protection, and manage conditions with appropriate therapies and safety measures.

What two items are emphasized as essential in post-eye-surgery care?

Eye drops on a strict schedule and eye protection (patch at night).

What is the main difference in urgency between AMD and retinal detachment?

AMD is chronic and not an immediate emergency; retinal detachment is a surgical emergency.

What is one key precaution after any eye surgery to prevent infection?

Follow sterile technique and keep hands clean when handling eye care.

What is a common symptom of cataracts that affects night driving beyond halos?

Glare from lights.

What is the recommended action if you suspect someone has acute glaucoma?

Seek medical attention immediately.

What is a typical meeting point between ophthalmology and diabetes management?

Diabetic retinopathy requires glucose control; eye health monitoring.

What adaptation might assist a patient with hemianopsia in mobility?

Use a cane or guide to navigate and safety planning.

What is the general educational goal for students regarding 'eye drops' in clinical care?

Understand proper technique, timing, and safety to prevent systemic effects.

What is one long-term lifestyle recommendation mentioned for eye health?

Wear UV-protective sunglasses and maintain a healthy diet.

In the notes, what is described as an example of how AMD affects daily life?

Not recognizing friends or family in faces due to central vision loss.

What is a common protective action for a patient with central vision loss when reading signs?

Increase font size and contrast.

What is a typical cause of floaters in retinal issues?

Not specified; floaters are mentioned as a symptom of retinal problems.