Ocular Emergencies Flashcards
About __% of the population have unequal pupils as a normal baseline.
25
Assessing the external features of the eye consists of examining the ____ and ____
eyelids and conjunctiva
Evaluate the extraocular muscles by assessing the __ cardinal fields by asking the patient to follow an object.
6
Fluorescein staining - what is it?
yellow orange staining used to evaluate the integrity of the corneal epithelium.
Fluorescein staining - what are the 5 steps in its use?
- Remove any contact lenses - Moisten the strip with NSS, pull down the patients lower lid and touch the strip to the conjunctive - Ask the patient to blink several times to completely cover the cornea - Examine the eye with a fluorescent lamp, the dye will cause epithelial defects to appear as highlighted yellow areas. - Instruct the patient not to wear soft contacts for at least 4 hours so not to stain the lens
Electric indentation devices that are handheld instruments that are to be placed directly on the cornea to measure intraocular pressure are called what?
Tonometry Tonometer
What are three steps to follow when using a Tonometer?
-Darken the room to minimize the amount of pupillary action -Anesthetize the cornea -Ask the patient to focus on a fixed object
When using a tonometer, Expect the normal intraocular pressure to be 10 to 20 mmHg. Consult an ophthalmologist if the pressure exceeds __ mmHg The most common cause of elevated intraocular pressure is ____
10 to 20 20 Glaucoma
An ____ (____) examination is performed to visualize the posterior chamber of the eye, using a light beam directed through the pupil.
ophthalmoscopic (fundoscopic)
Follow these three steps when performing a ophthalmoscopic (fundoscopic) procedure
-Darken the room -Instill mydriatic eye drops to dilate the patient’s pupils. -Using an opthalmoscope, visualize the posterior chamber of the eye, including the optic disc, retina, retinal artery, and macula.
In a patient with a ruptured globe, expect to find a ____-shaped pupil in the injured eye when performing a ophthalmoscopic (fundoscopic)
teardrop
When recording a visual acuity, the numerator represents what?
the distance on the chart
Remind the patient not to rub the eyes after topical anesthetic because why?
it can cause corneal abrasion
Because tears and drops drain into the tear duct, beta blocker eye drops such as Timolol can exacerbate what?
asthma in asthmatics.
When using beta blocker eye drops such as Timolol, Have the patient occlude the puncta to decrease systemic absorption and prolong eye exposure to the medication. How is this done? (3)
-This is done by pressing firmly on the bridge of the nose -If additional drops are prescribed, wait 5 to 10 minutes before administering them. -Always instill drops before ointments
A green top on an ophthalmic medication container indicates that the medication is a ____. What does that mean?
Miotic Miosis, or myosis, is excessive constriction of the pupil. The term is from Ancient Greek μύειν mūein, “to close the eyes”. The opposite condition, mydriasis, is the dilation of the pupil. These medications reduce eye pressure by increasing the drainage of intraocular fluid through the trabecular meshwork.
A red top indicates that the medication is a ____. What does that mean?
Mydriatic A mydriatic is an agent that induces dilation of the pupil. Drugs such as tropicamide are used in medicine to permit examination of the retina and other deep structures of the eye, and also to reduce painful ciliary muscle spasm
Periorbital contusion is also called a what?
Black Eye
Three types of orbital Blunt trauma include Orbital fractures Hyphemas Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Orbital fractures Hyphemas Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
What is a Hyphema?
A hyphema is a pooling or collection of blood inside the anterior chamber of the eye (the space between the cornea and the iris). The blood may cover most or all of the iris and the pupil, blocking vision partially or completely. A hyphema is usually painful.

what are blowout fractures?
Fractures of the orbital floor and the medial orbital wall
Orbital Fracture (Blowout) Commonly involve the orbital floor or orbital rim. A fracture to the orbital floor or ____ bone usually result from a direct blow. This fracture may be an isolated injury, however, when an orbital floor fracture results in increased intraocular pressure, the orbital contents may herniate into the ____ or ____ sinuses. This is known as a blowout fracture. An orbital fracture is not considered an ocular emergency unless what?
Zygomatic maxillary ethmoid visual impairment or globe injury is present.
What is Enophthalmos?
sunken eye
What is diplopia?
Diplopia is the perception of 2 images of a single object.



