Alterations in Sensory Perception

ALTERATION

A change in something, often referring to a modification or adjustment.

SENSORY PERCEPTION

The process of organizing, identifying, and interpreting sensory information.

ANATOMY OF THE EYE

The study of the structure and components of the eye.

EXTERNAL EYE STRUCTURES

Includes extrinsic eye muscles, eyelids, sclera, conjunctiva, and lacrimal structures.

INTERNAL EYE STRUCTURES

Components of the eye situated within its interior.

FIBROUS LAYER

The outer protective layer of the eye, comprising the sclera and cornea.

VASCULAR LAYER

The layer of the eye that includes the iris, choroid, and ciliary body, responsible for blood supply and light regulation.

NEURAL LAYER

The innermost layer of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve, where vision processing occurs.

AQUEOUS HUMOR

A fluid that maintains intraocular pressure in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.

VITREOUS HUMOR

A gel-like substance filling the largest chamber of the eye, helping to maintain its shape.

PHOTORECEPTORS

Cells in the retina (rods and cones) that detect light.

RODS

Photoreceptors responsible for low-light and peripheral vision.

CONES

Photoreceptors that enable color vision and detail.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

A condition that leads to the degeneration of the macula, affecting central vision.

CATARACTS

Clouding of the eye lens that alters light passage, leading to blurred vision.

GLAUCOMA

A group of eye conditions characterized by increased intraocular pressure leading to optic nerve damage.

PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

The most common form of glaucoma, it progresses slowly and is often asymptomatic until significant vision loss occurs, characterized by gradual loss of peripheral vision and increased intraocular pressure.

ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

MEDICAL EMERGENCY!! A type of glaucoma resulting from a blockage of the drainage angle in the eye, which leads to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms may include sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision.

RETINAL DETACHMENT

A medical emergency where the retina separates from its blood supply. CURTAIN VISIONS and flashes of light may occur, leading to potential permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

RISK FACTORS OF RETINAL DETACHMENT

Aging, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye trauma, inflammatory disorders (e.g., lupus), nearsightedness, previous cataract surgery, and family history.

PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF RETINAL DETACHMENT

Vision loss and long recovery (weeks–months) can lead to anxiety, stress, and decreased quality of life; may limit ADLs, driving, reading, and screen use.

PHYSCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF GLAUCOMA

The psychological and social impacts that individuals with glaucoma may experience, including anxiety, depression, and adjustments to vision loss.

RISK REDUCTION FOR GLAUCOMA

Strategies to lower the chance of developing glaucoma, such as regular eye exams, avoid smoking, controlling blood pressure, and managing diabetes.

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)

Degeneration of the macula, primarily affecting adults over 65.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AMD

blurred vision, especially when reading

distorted central vision as the disease progresses

URGENT CARE FOR RETINAL DETACHMENT WHEN

Sudden blurry vision, persistent floaters, or visual changes require immediate medical evaluation to improve outcomes.

DRUSEN

Waste products that accumulate beneath the retina, associated with macular degeneration.

DRY AMD

The most common type of age-related macular degeneration, characterized by gradual breakdown of the retina.

WET AMD

A type of AMD involving abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina that can lead to rapid vision distortion.

RISK FACTORS OF AMD MODIFIABLE

smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity

RISK FACTORS OF AMD NONMODIFIABLE

family history, light skin/ligh colored eyes

COMORBIDITIES

Associated conditions that co-occur with a primary disease.

VISUAL ACUITY

The clarity or sharpness of vision typically measured using a Snell eye chart.

AMSLER GRID

A tool used by individuals to monitor changes in central vision.

AREDS2 SUPPLEMENTS

Nutritional supplements prescribed to slow the progression of dry AMD.

ANTI-VEGF INJECTIONS

Medications used to treat wet AMD by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth.

CLOUDY VISION

Loss of clarity in vision due to conditions like cataracts.

CATARACTS PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS

The psychological and social challenges faced by individuals with cataracts, including issues related to vision loss, adaptation, and overall quality of life.

CATARACTS AGEING CONSIDERATIONS

Factors related to the development of cataracts as individuals age, including increased risk and potential impact on daily activities.

CATARACTS HEALTH PROMOTION

Strategies and practices to prevent or manage cataracts, such as regular eye examinations ≥60 should have a dilated eye exam every 2 years, maintaining a healthy diet, and protecting eyes from UV light.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF CATARACTS

Gradual, painless cloudy or hazy vision that may feel similar to smudged glasses or poorly fitting contacts.

SNELLEN CHART

A chart used to assess visual acuity.

DILATED EYEXAM

A procedure allowing an eye care professional to see the retina more clearly.

PHACOEMULSIFICATION

A common method for cataract removal involving ultrasonic technology.

TONOMETRY

A test to measure intraocular pressure.

VISUAL FIELD TESTING (PERIMETRY)

A test to assess peripheral vision.

EAR ANATOMY

The study of the structures of the ear, which includes the external, middle, and inner ear.

EXTERNAL EAR INCUDES

auricle (pinna) and auditory canal, which contains hair follicles, oil glands, and cerumen (earwax) glands

MIDDLE EAR

tympanic membrane (eardrum) and three ossicles—malleus, incus, and stapes—which transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

INNER EAR

cochlea (hearing) and semicircular canals (balance) filled with perilymph and endolymph fluids

PRESBYCUSIS

Age-related hearing loss that is very common in the elderly.

CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss caused by issues in the external or middle ear.

SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Permanent hearing loss due to damage to the cochlear hair cells or auditory nerve.

RISK FACTORS FOR HEARING LOSS

Aging, genetics, prolonged noise exposure, ototoxic medications, smoking, obesity, and chronic disease.

WHISPERED VOICE TEST

A simple screening test for hearing loss where a clinician whispers a phrase to the patient from a distance.

FINGER RUB TEST

A hearing assessment technique where a clinician rubs their fingers together near the ear of the patient to evaluate hearing sensitivity.

AUDIOMETRY

Testing that measures hearing thresholds at various sound frequencies.

TINITUS

The perception of sound without an external source, often described as ringing in the ears.

TREATMENTS FOR HEARING LOSS

Interventions aimed at improving hearing function, which may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory rehabilitation.

MENIERE’S DISEASE

A progressive inner ear disorder characterized by fluctuating hearing loss and vertigo. NOT CURABLE ONLY MANAGEABLE

RISK FACTORS FOR MENIERE’S

Often begins around age 40; associated with poor ear fluid drainage, autoimmune disorders, viral infections, and genetic predisposition.

LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT FOR MENIERE’S

No prevention, but triggers may be reduced by adequate rest, stress reduction, limiting caffeine, and decreasing dietary sodium to reduce fluid retention.

SINUSITIS

Inflammation of the sinus cavity lining that can block normal mucus drainage.

RISK FACTORS OF SINUSITIS

Allergies, asthma, environmental irritants, nasal defects, trauma, chronic conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, diabetes), and certain medical devices

PREVENTION AND SELF-CARE OF SINUSITIS

Promote sinus drainage by using nasal irrigation, hydration, steam inhalation, humidifiers, head elevation during sleep, and avoiding dry environments, aggressive nose blowing, antihistamines that dry mucus, and rebound decongestant sprays.

NASAL IRRIGATION

A process used to promote sinus drainage and relieve congestion.

OTITIS MEDIA

An infection of the middle ear that often causes ear pain.

HEARING AID

A device used to improve sound quality for individuals with hearing loss.

COCHLEAR IMPLANT

Surgically implanted device that stimulates the auditory nerve to improve hearing.

CEREBRAL ADAPTATION

The brain's ability to adjust to changes in sensory input or perception.

ACOUSTIC THERAPY

Therapeutic management that uses sound to relieve tinnitus symptoms.

PAROTID GLAND

A salivary gland that may be affected by certain medical disorders.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Damage to the retina caused by complications from diabetes.

IRIS

The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil.

CHOROID

The layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the sclera and retina.

CILIARY BODY

Structure in the eye that aids in focusing and adjusting lens shape.

SCLERA

The white outer coat of the eyeball, providing protection and structure.