Eye Assessment Notes

External Structures of the Eye

  • Pupil, Iris, Eyelids:
    • Upper eyelid, Lower eyelid (Palpebral fissure)
    • Eyelashes, Sclera, Medial canthus, Caruncle, Puncta

Lacrimal Apparatus

  • Components:
    • Lacrimal gland, Lacrimal canals, Lacrimal sac, Nasolacrimal duct
    • Opening of duct (in nose)

Extraocular Muscles

  • Muscle Groups:
    • Superior/Inferior Rectus, Lateral/Medial Rectus
    • Superior/Inferior Oblique

Internal Structures of the Eye

  • Key Components:
    • Retina, Macula, Optic disc, Choroid
    • Central retinal artery and vein, Optic nerve, Vitreous body, Conjunctiva
    • Structures related to iris and ciliary muscle

Visual Fields and Pathways

  • Visual Processing:
    • Light stimulus processing from optic nerve to visual cortex in occipital lobe
    • Includes structures like optic chiasm and optic tract

Visual Reflexes

  • Key Reflexes:
    • Pupillary light reflex
    • Accommodation

Common Eye Disorders

  • Glaucoma:
    • Open-angle (tunnel vision) vs. Acute angle-closure (severe symptoms)
    • Risk factors: High eye pressure, family history, age 40+ for African Americans
  • Macular Degeneration:
    • Leading cause of vision loss in older adults, types include wet and dry
  • Cataracts:
    • Signs: Cloudy lens, impaired night vision, halos, frequent prescription changes
  • Visual Impairment Variations:
    • Different incidence across geological and demographic variables

Assessment Techniques

  • Subjective:
    • Patient history, Amsler chart for vision problems
  • Objective:
    • Use of Snellen chart, Jaeger test for visual acuity, ophthalmologist exam techniques

Abnormal Findings

  • Visual Field Defects:
    • Variants including unilateral blindness, homonymous hemianopia
  • Extraocular Muscle Issues:
    • Strabismus types (Esotropia vs. Exotropia)
  • Pupil Abnormalities:
    • Mydriasis, Miosis, Anisocoria
  • Optic Disc & Retinal Changes:
    • Papilledema, optic atrophy, vessel changes (e.g., silver wire arterioles)

Older Adult Considerations

  • Common conditions include presbyopia, cataracts, and changes in eye structure.
  • Regular screenings crucial for early detection of age-related issues.