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Most primary care optometrists are well-equipped to serve any patient who walks in the door with the standard battery of tools and technology that make up the core pieces of [...]

Geographic atrophy (GA) is the most advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and can occur concomitantly with choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) or wet AMD. Patients with GA present [...]

A 42-year-old Hispanic woman presented to our institute with three weeks of painless blurry vision in the left eye. Past medical history was positive for gastroesophageal reflex disease that was [...]

The slit lamp biomicroscope is the fundamental diagnostic tool for ocular examination and proficiency in its use is crucial for developing expertise in eye care. The stereoscopic nature of the [...]

Earn2CE Credits: (COPE APPROVED) Despite advancements in ocular imaging over the past decade, there is no single parameter used for glaucoma diagnosis. Currently, it is usually made using a Bayesian [...]

The eye's first line of defense against external threats is often compromised by infection or injury. Systemic conditions frequently also manifest changes here as well. 'Start on the outside and [...]

Alterations of the retina can be caused by a wide variety of etiologies, ranging from benign findings to sight- or life-threatening pathologies, making it extremely important to make an accurate [...]

Author(s): Hennaav Kaur Dhillon [1]; Sumita Agarkar (corresponding author) [1]; Lingam Vijaya [2]; Muna Bhende [3]; Mani Baskaran [2]; VV Jaichandran [4] Pediatric ocular examination is often challenging due to [...], Pediatric ocular examinations are often a challenge in the outpatient setting due to limited cooperation of the child. Hence an evaluation under anesthesia (EUA) or sedation is important for a holistic ophthalmic examination. It can be combined with short procedures, such as suture removal and corneal scrappings, both for diagnosis and for the management of several ophthalmic disorders. It can also be performed before planning a surgical intervention to record the baseline characters and formulate or refine a surgical plan. Every EUA must be used as a chance to perform a complete ophthalmic examination rather than perform a single task such as recording the intraocular pressure. This article aims to provide a protocol that can be followed for a complete EUA. Keywords: Congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, cycloplegic refraction, electrophysiological tests, examination under anesthesia, intraocular pressure, retinal dystrophies

Betsy is a 50-something woman with cerebral palsy, including a degree of cognitive impairment, who lives with her devoted sister who serves as a caretaker. A two-decade-old eye exam in [...]

Author(s): Prasanna Venkataraman (corresponding author) [1]; Chetna Kisthurmal [1]; Anjana Ramanathan [1]; Deepa Ramamoorthy [1]; Neethu Mohan [1]; Anahita Shroff [1] References 1. Sen, M, Lahane, S, Lahane, TP, Parekh, [...], Background: Secondary angle closure glaucoma (SACG) can be quite puzzling and can challenge even an experienced glaucoma surgeon. Unlike primary angle closure glaucoma, SACG can have various ocular and systemic associations. A careful review of the symptoms and past ocular and surgical history cannot be overemphasized. Some of the SACG can be refractory, requiring drainage devices. However, sometimes, all it takes is a prompt laser iridotomy. This can significantly reduce ocular morbidity and, in some situations, even blindness. Gonioscopy, often an underutilized technique, is critical in making the right diagnosis. With the advent of imaging techniques such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy, one can easily pick up the etiology and treat early. Purpose: As many cases of SACG present acutely, it is critical that one makes a prompt diagnosis. We present here a video bouquet of illustrated examples of SACG and the steps to identify the cause by using different imaging techniques. Through this video, we aim to make the diagnosis of SACG a simpler, more streamlined, and logical process that will help in the accurate diagnosis and management. Synopsis: This video demonstrates various etiologies of secondary angle closure and methods to identify and treat the same. Highlights: Secondary angle closure can occur either with or without pupillary block. SACG with pupillary block involves mechanisms such as seclusio pupillae, aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, phacomorphic glaucoma, and silicon oil-induced glaucoma. In contrast, there are various other etiologies causing anterior pulling or posterior pushing mechanisms that contribute to non-pupillary block SACG. We discuss all of these, along with the imaging modalities needed to identify the same. Video link: https://youtu.be/N0bIw7Uknww. Keywords: Anterior segment OCT, peripheral iridotomy, pupillary block, secondary angle closure, ultrasound biomicroscopy

While these lesions tend to be benign, the wide array of presentations makes assessment tricky. Here's a visual reference to follow. As primary eyecare providers, optometrists are responsible for the [...]

No matter how long we've been in practice, we always have more to learn--the art of practicing optometry is just that. We can continue to pick up little nuggets as [...]

Understanding pupil testing and disorders is critical. With one quick, objective test, the pupil evaluation provides information about the retina, optic nerve, chiasm, optic tract, midbrain, cranial nerves III and [...]

Imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become standard in retina care. Its widespread use can be attributed to its ability to deliver a vast amount of high-resolution information regarding [...]

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by the death of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. (1) Per this definition then, it behooves the optometric community to examine retinal [...]

A vision disorder is one of the most disabling conditions for children in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Early detection and intervention for disabling [...], Vision is one of the five senses that facilitate a child's normal development. Amblyopia is the main cause of low vision or blindness in the pediatric population. Health promotion and primary prevention strategies minimize the risks of amblyopia. A thorough vision history and examination of the eyes throughout childhood ensure a child's ability to achieve a normal sense of vision. Anticipatory guidance related to eye trauma, exposure to chemical and environmental assaults, and astute observation of vision development ensure a child's sense of vision fully develops. Key Words: Pediatric vision, eye assessment, vision development, amblyopia.

The principles of optical coherence tomography (OCT) were first described just over 30 years ago and the first commercial device came on the market in 1996. This technology offers a [...]

2023 NOV 25 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- A new study on diabetic retinopathy is now available. According to news [...]

Have you ever had 'analysis paralysis'--that feeling of having too many choices and not knowing which to choose? I have that feeling every time I stop for ice cream at [...]

We often see our student clinicians and residents become nervous when performing gonioscopy, but it is not just those fresh learners who need the help and practice with anterior segment [...]

Slit lamp biomicroscopy is an integral aspect of any standard ocular examination, whether routine or problem-focused. The slit lamp portion of an exam allows the clinician to evaluate anatomical structures [...]

Every optometrist has stories of patients whose systemic disease(s) was only diagnosed after the onset of ocular symptoms and signs. Systemic processes can impact virtually every ocular tissue, as well [...]

Ocular surface disease affects the majority of our patients in varying ways and to different degrees. By and large, it is not difficult to identify. We can see it at [...]

When diagnosing and managing posterior segment pathology, a wide variety of technologies aid us, including posterior segment imaging, neuroimaging and tests of visual function. Some conditions may be diagnosed and [...]

Glaucoma is the most common optic neuropathy found in adulthood, and the most prevalent form--primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)--is projected to affect 7.32 million individuals in the United States by 2050. [...]

Optometrists are well-acquainted with the two opposing muscles in the iris, the sphincter and the dilator, as we witness their effects daily in clinical practice. Pupil constriction (miosis) can either [...]

I (Dr. Taub) was interviewing for a job early in my career, and I was asked a question that I occasionally now use in my resident and faculty interviews. The [...]

2023 FEB 25 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Research findings on Enzymes and Coenzymes - Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases are discussed [...]

Our understanding of the multifactorial nature of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has evolved significantly since the early 1980s when the term 'MGD' was first coined. (1) There is now a [...]

Exams conducted virtually should not differ significantly from in-person exams, but there are some important elements to remember to include in the telemedicine exam, as noted in the flowchart below. [...]

Earn 2 CE Credits (COPE APPROVED] While dry eye disease (DED) is common, proper diagnosis can be a challenge. Signs and symptoms don't always correlate, and patients can present with [...]