Eagleview Eye Clinic

Tag eye diseases

CASE HISTORY

A case history is a detailed record of a patient’s medical history, symptoms, and treatment plan. For eye care, it includes:

Key components:

  1. Chief complaint: Patient’s main issue (e.g., blurred vision)
  2. History of present illness: Symptoms, duration, severity
  3. Medical history: Systemic conditions, medications
  4. Ocular history: Previous eye issues, surgeries
  5. Family history: Relevant eye conditions
  6. Social history: Lifestyle, occupation, habits
  7. Medications: Current medications, allergies

Purpose:

  1. Accurate diagnosis
  2. Personalized treatment plan
  3. Monitoring progress
CYCLOPLEGIC REFRACTION

Cycloplegic refraction is an eye exam that temporarily paralyzes the ciliary muscle, relaxing the eye’s focusing power. This helps determine the true refractive error, especially in children or those with accommodative esotropia.

Key uses:

  1. Accurate prescription for glasses or contact lenses
  2. Diagnosing amblyopia or strabismus
  3. Managing accommodative esotropia
MIOTIC DRUGS

👨‍⚕️ Miotic drugs constrict the pupil (miosis) and reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Used for glaucoma, post-surgery, or counteracting mydriasis.

Common examples:

  1. Pilocarpine (cholinergic)
    • Effect: 1–2 hours, lasts 4–8h.
    • Use: Open-angle glaucoma, miosis.
    • Side effects: Headache, dim vision, brow ache.
  2. Carbachol (cholinergic)
    • Effect: Strong, longer-lasting.
    • Use: Glaucoma, post-op care.
    • Risk: Retinal detachment risk.
  3. Acetylcholine (direct-acting)
    • Use: Intraocular surgery (short-acting).
  4. Echothiophate (anticholinesterase)
    • Use: Chronic glaucoma.
    • Risk: Cysts, systemic toxicity.

Precautions:

  • Night vision issues: Avoid driving in low light.
  • Retinal risk: Check for detachment symptoms.
  • Asthma/COPD: Caution (bronchospasm).
  • Tapering: Avoid sudden stop.

MYDRIATIC DRUGS

👁️ Mydriatic drugs dilate the pupil (mydriasis) by relaxing the iris sphincter muscle. Used for exams, surgery, or treating inflammation.

Common examples:

  1. Phenylephrine (α-1 agonist)
    • Effect: Fast (30–60 min), short (3–6h).
    • Use: Diagnostic exams.
    • Risk: Hypertension, arrhythmia.
  2. Tropicamide (anticholinergic)
    • Effect: 30–45 min, lasts 4–6h.
    • Use: Routine dilation.
    • Risk: Blurred vision, photophobia.
  3. Atropine (strong, long-acting)
    • Effect: 1–2 weeks.
    • Use: Uveitis, amblyopia.
    • Risk: Prolonged blur, dry mouth.
  4. Cyclopentolate
    • Effect: 24–48h.
    • Use: Pediatric exams.
    • Risk: Behavioral changes in kids.

Precautions:

  • Avoid driving until pupils return to normal.
  • Glaucoma risk: Check IOP.
  • Monitor elderly/kids.
  • Side effects: Headache, stinging, dry eyes.

CYCLOPLEGIA

🔍 Cycloplegia is the temporary paralysis of the ciliary muscle, which controls the eye’s focusing (accommodation).

Key effects:

  1. Blurry near vision
  2. Difficulty focusing on close objects
  3. Pupil dilation (mydriasis)
  4. No pain, but uncomfortable for reading/near work

Common causes:

  1. Medications: Cyclopentolate, atropine (used in eye exams)
  2. Infections: Viral (e.g., herpes zoster)
  3. Trauma
  4. Toxins (e.g., botulinum)
  5. Conditions: Adie’s tonic pupil

Management:

  • Reversible (lasts hours–days, depending on cause)
  • Use glasses for near tasks
  • Avoid driving until resolved
  • Consult an eye doctor if persistent 😎.
MIOSIS

Miosis is the constriction of the pupil. It’s the opposite of mydriasis 😊.

Common causes:

  1. Bright light
  2. Medications: Opioids (e.g., morphine), eye drops (e.g., pilocarpine)
  3. Conditions: Horner’s syndrome, iritis, or neurological disorders
  4. Aging
  5. Substance use: Certain drugs (e.g., heroin)

Effects:

  1. Reduced light entry → dim vision in low light
  2. Increased depth of field (improved near vision)
  3. Headache or eye strain
MYDRIASIS

Mydriasis is the dilation of the pupil, often caused by:

  • Low light conditions
  • Certain medications (e.g., atropine)
  • Medical conditions (e.g., Adie’s pupil)
  • Substance use (e.g., stimulants)
  • Trauma or injury

Effects:

  1. Increased light sensitivity
  2. Blurred vision
  3. Difficulty focusing
DECENTRED PUPIL

A decentred pupil refers to a pupil that is not centered in the iris, often due to trauma, surgery, or certain eye conditions.

Possible causes:

  1. Trauma or injury
  2. Surgical complications
  3. Congenital conditions
  4. Uveitis or inflammation
  5. Synechiae (adhesions)

Effects:

  1. Vision disturbances
  2. Increased sensitivity to light
  3. Cosmetic concerns
NAVIGATING DRY EYE SYNDROME VIA NUTRITION

Managing dry eyes with diet involves incorporating foods rich in nutrients that support eye health. Here are some tips:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Include foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, and chia seeds to reduce inflammation and promote tear production.
  • Vitamin A-rich foods: Eat carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale to support the health of the cornea.
  • Vitamin C-rich foods: Consume citrus fruits, bell peppers, and tomatoes to boost collagen production and tear quality.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes moist.
  • Limit: Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and processed ingredients that can exacerbate dry eyes.

Some specific foods that can help:

  • Salmon
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Citrus fruits
  • Bell peppers.
MACULA

The macula is a specialized region at the back of the eye, responsible for central vision and fine detail.

Key functions:

  1. Central vision
  2. Color vision
  3. Fine detail vision

Location:

The macula is located at the center of the retina, including the fovea.