Macular Degeneration

Today I had the opportunity to research macular degeneration. Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the part of the retina that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain. This part of the retina, the macula is responsible for focusing our vision and controls our ability to read, drive a car, or even see objects in fine detail. Macular degeneration comes in stages. It may at first not even affect our vision, but as time goes on the vision can become blurred. The final stage of macular degeneration is a total loss of vision, or blindness. This eye disease is most likely to occur in people ages 55 or older. Having family history of macular degeneration increases your risk of having this eye condition as well. Smoking can have a large affect on this condition, as someone who smokes has double the risk of having this disease. Their is currently no cure for this condition, but can be helped with a healthy diet, exercise and avoiding ultraviolet rays. This condition is the leading cause of vision loss in the world. More than 10 million Americans have this condition, which is more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. Researching this eye condition has been very insightful and I'm glad I could learn about this topic.

Identity Theft

Click on the link below to watch me present on identity theft and learn how to protect yourself!

Retinal Detachment

This month I had the opportunity to dig a little deeper and research retinal detachment. This condition is when the retina pulls away from its normal position. This separates the retinal cells from the blood cells that provide oxygen and nourishment. Symptoms of retinal detachment include: sudden appearance of many floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, blurred peripheral vision and a reduced visual field. If this condition goes untreated it could result in permanent vision loss. Surgery is the only treatment for a retinal detachment. There are many different techniques that usually always have a positive outcome. With this condition, you could be on the verge of a retinal detachment, which we call a retinal tear. If this is the case your Doctor might perform laser surgery on your eye to try and preserve the retina from further damage. Retinal detachment can be a very serious condition. However, with the advancement of medicine retinal detachments are becoming easier to treat.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal layer. This is the middle layer of the three that make up the eye. Their are several different forms of Uveitis. These forms can affect the retina, iris and in extreme conditions can affect the optic nerve. Uveitis can be caused by a multitude of conditions. These include: eye surgery, eye cancer and possibly a side effect of an underlying condition. Uveitis could be indicated by blurred vision, pain in the eyes and red eyes. Eye drops are a treatment option for Uveitis, but are not always successful if they don't penetrate to the back of the eye. Injections to the eye, oral medications and even surgical procedures are ways to combat Uveitis. Uveitis can be treated in a couple months in mild conditions. However, in severe cases, the Uveitis can last quite a while.

January Project on Epilepsy

Click on the link below to watch me present on Epilepsy!

Diplopia

Diplopia is the technical term for double vision. This condition is when you see two images that could either be side by side or on top of each other. Diplopia can occur is both eyes or just a single eye. Diplopia in only one eye could be caused by cornea damage and can be fixed with the use of glasses. Lens issues such as cataracts can also be a cause of diplopia in a single eye. Surgery is the main treatment for cataracts. Diplopia in both eyes can be caused by issues within the muscles of your eye, nerves and even your brain. Conditions such as Diabetes, Graves' Disease, and even having a stroke can cause you to have double vision.

Symptoms of Diplopia include misalignment of your eyes, pain, headaches, nausea and even droopy eyelids. Diagnosis of double vision can be performed by your regular eye doctor. You could eventually have more testing including: blood tests, a physical exam and possibly even a CT scan. Surgery and medication are the most common treatments for diplopia. The treatment for double vision really depends on what caused the double vision in the first place. If the Diplopia does not go away after these treatments, their are a couple other options. Glasses, prisms, and eye patching are all forms of treatment for Diplopia to help you live with  condition.

December Project on Blepharitis

Watch the video of me presenting below to learn about blepharitis!

Keratitis

Today I had the opportunity to do some research on Keratitis. Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea that can be caused by different types of infections, dry eye, and injuries to the eye. Symptoms of this condition include: eye redness, eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to lights. There are some major risk factors that go along with keratitis. Sleeping in your contact lenses and having a compromised immune system increases your chance of obtaining keratitis. There are some ways to prevent keratitis. Washing your hands before handling your contacts is key to a healthy eye. When you are sick, avoid touching your eyes so you don't spread an infection. I am very grateful too have had the opportunity to research this eye condition.

November Project on Amblyopia

Check out the link below to watch me present on Amblyopia. This was such a fun topic to research because I personally struggle with this eye condition. Hope you all enjoy!

I had the opportunity to research some information on History of Present Illness. Read below for what I found out!

HPI Notes 

1.    Chief Complaint

a.    Reason why the patient has come to see the doctor

b.    Don’t ask questions robotically

                                               i.        Smile and talk to the patient J

2.    History of Present Illness

a.    Gather details about chief complaint

                                               i.        Qualify and quantify

b.    Location

                                               i.        Where? What part of eye?

c.    Quality

                                               i.        Sharp or dull pain?

d.    Severity

                                               i.        Unbearable pain or mild?

e.    Duration

                                               i.        Suddenly or gradually?

f.     Timing

                                               i.        Constant or comes and goes?

g.    Context

                                               i.        What were you doing when it happened?

h.    Modifying Factors

                                               i.        Have you done anything to help?

i.     Signs

                                               i.        Noticed anything additional?

3.    Review of Symptoms

a.    Cardiovascular, vasucalar, respiratory, etc.

b.    Always record patients answer, otherwise it is taken like it was not asked

4.    Past Medical Histories

a.    Ask about eye surgeries

b.    Document these!

                                               i.        High blood pressure

                                             ii.        Diabetes 

5.    Medications

a.    Blood thinning medications

                                               i.        Ask, could lead to explanation for brain bleed etc.

b.    Review current Medications

                                               i.        See if any have stopped or changed

c.    Record over the counter medications

                                               i.        Vitamins and meds

d.    Compliance 

                                               i.        See if they have actually been takin medication

6.    Drug Allergies

a.    Record what patient is allergic to

                                               i.        Include reaction and whether it is severe or not

7.    Family History

a.    Always ask about these

                                               i.        Glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, amblyopia, hypertension, diabetes and cataracts

8.    Social History

a.    Ask about alcohol, drugs, and tobacco

                                               i.        Can be VERY awkward

9.    Pertinent Questions

a.    Specific questions to type of visit

b.    Put in HPI answers to questions regarding the symptom

10.  HIPAA

a.    Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

                                               i.        Shred patient info, do not talk loud about patient, don’t leave files visible to others

11.  Triage

a.    Emergency Situation

                                               i.        Result from pain, redness, blurred vision

12.  Documentation

a.    Age, sex, and race

b.    Mood and orientation

13.  Questions to Ask Per Appointment

a.    Cataracts

                                               i.        Glare or blurry vision

                                             ii.        Have you had surgery?

b.    Glaucoma - New Patient

                                               i.        How long?

                                             ii.        Eye drops?

                                            iii.        Who diagnosed it?

c.    Glaucoma – Established Patient

                                               i.        Eye pain or redness?

                                             ii.        Using drops as instructed?

d.    Retina Problems

                                               i.        Family History?

                                             ii.        When have you noticed changes?

                                            iii.        Both eyes or one?

e.    Diabetic Exam

                                               i.        A1C Value?

                                             ii.        Fasting Blood Sugar Level?

                                            iii.        Well controlled?

f.     Droopy Eyelids

                                               i.        Any surgeries?

                                             ii.        Double Vision?

g.    Trauma

                                               i.        Wearing safety glasses?

                                             ii.        Occur on the job?

                                            iii.        Date and time?

                                            iv.        How did it happen?

h.    Contact Lenses

                                               i.        What kind?

                                             ii.        Bifocal?

                                            iii.        How many hours a day?

                                            iv.        Sleeping in lenses?

                                              v.        How many years have you been wearing them?

                                            vi.        Last time you wore them?

                                           vii.        Solutions you use?

In summary, when evaluating a patient, play the detective role. Figure out what their problem is and why they are experiencing it. Always ask the small details and input that information into the HPI. Above all, be friendly and maintain a certain level of professionalism.

Pinguecula Research

Pinguecula

Today I had the opportunityty to research the eye condition pinguecula. This condition changes the tissue on the eye and results in a deposit of protein and fat in the conjunctiva. This can be caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Pinguecula can be diagnosed by a careful clinical examination. Their is no treatment for this condition. However, if the deposit becomes overly annoying it can be surgically removed. I am super glad I was able to learn about this eye condition today!

October Project on Tsunamis

Click on the video below to watch me present on tsunamis! Also follow this link to check out my slideshow presentation!
http://prezi.com/2mxso8kmpqat/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

TrueTear Research

Yesterday I had the opportunity to research TrueTear. TrueTear is a new treatment for dry eye syndrome that utilizes neurostimulation to produce real tears. This treatment is a great way to combat dry eye syndrome if drops do not work for a patient. Check out my research below!

Allergan TrueTear

TrueTear provides a temporary increase in tear production during neurostimulation to improve dry eye symptoms in adult patients with severe dry eye symptoms.

Overview

o   The TrueTear tip stimulates a nerve in the nasal cavity with tiny pulses of energy, sending out nerve signals in the brain

o   The brain then sends nerve signals to the tear glands surrounding the eyes to temporarily increase tear production

o   The glands surrounding the eyes react and temporarily produce real tears.

Quick Facts

o   Change the tip on the TrueTear every 48 hours or 2 days

o   The blue LED lights indicate the strength level from 1 to 5

o   Comes with a cover for on the go protection for the TrueTear

o   Simply rest on charger to get a full battery life in 4 hours

o   There is a TrueTear app to keep track of use and battery percentage

Where to place?

o   Hit the “sweet spot” with the TrueTear.

o   Needs to contact the nerves under the bridge of the nose

Side Effects

o   Nasal pain, discomfort and burning

Precautions

o   Do not use if patient has a pacemaker, implanted or wearable defilbrillator, or other metallic devices placed in head or neck

o   Do not use if patient has a bleeding disorder

Information Obtained From: https://www.truetear.com