Eye Assessment Overview

Learning Objectives

• Identify components and functions of the eye.

• Elicit an accurate health history of the eye.

• Describe physical examination techniques for eye evaluation.

• Identify measures for prevention or early detection of eye diseases.

• Explain documentation of complete eye assessments.

Anatomy and Physiology

• Eyelids: Protect the eye from injury and light.

• Conjunctiva: Mucous membrane covering; includes bulbar and palpebral.

• Lacrimal Apparatus: Keeps eyes moist; includes lacrimal glands and ducts.

• Eye Muscles: Extraocular muscles control eye movement; innervated by cranial nerves II, III, IV, VI.

Internal Structures

• Sclera: Tough protective outer layer.

• Cornea: Refracts light to focus on retina.

• Iris & Pupil: Regulate light entry.

• Lens: Focuses images on retina; becomes less elastic with age.

• Retina: Converts light to nerve impulses; consists of macula and fovea for sharpest vision.

Visual Pathways

• Light enters the eye, refracts, and activates retinas to send signals to the brain via the optic nerve.

Common Eye Symptoms

• Changes in Vision: Blurriness,Double vision, Night blindness.

• Discomfort: Redness, swelling, itching, tearing.

• Discharge: Causes and types (color) need to be assessed.

Risk Factors for Eye Conditions

• Age, gender, genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.

Examination Techniques

• Vision Tests: Snellen chart for distance and Jaegar card for near vision.

• Ocular Motility Testing: Evaluates coordination of eye movement.

• Fundus Examination: Visualizes retina and optic nerve.

Documentation Examples

• Record visual acuity results, findings on external examinations, and assessments of internal eye structures.