NR602 2021 Final Study Guide

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition in which one or both eyes do not develop normal vision due to various factors that cause the visual part of the brain to function abnormally. This weakens the eye and can lead to longterm vision problems. If recognized early, amblyopia generally responds well to treatment. Amblyopia therapy can include glasses, patching, eye drops, and sometimes surgery. Click here to learn more about amblyopia. Astigmatism-Farsightedness-Nearsightedness These three conditions, or refractive errors, are the most common eye problems in children and adults and are most often caused by abnormalities in the surface of the eye that prevent light from properly being focused on the retina. Click here to learn more about these refractive errors. Childhood Tearing/Epiphora Epiphora is the term for excessive tearing. Childhood epiphora is often noted soon after birth, but can be acquired later. When noted during infancy, it is usually due to blockage of the tear drainage system. This type of tearing often improves spontaneously by 6 to 12 months of age. Medical treatment includes tear sac massage and eye drops, but if tearing persists, surgical probing of the drainage system may be required. Other rare causes of childhood tearing include pediatric glaucoma and ocular surface diseases. Cortical Visual Impairment Cortical visual impairment (CVI) is vision loss due to any abnormality of the visual center in the brain. The eyes are normal, but the visual interpretation center in the brain does not function properly and prevents normal vision. Developmental Abnormalities During development of the fetus, abnormalities in the visual system can occur. Some developmental abnormalities include coloboma, microphthalmia (small eye), and optic nerve hypoplasia. These abnormalities often result in vision loss. Double Vision Double vision (diplopia) is typically caused by misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), which causes one to see an object in two different places at the same time. The object can be displaced in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal fashion. Double vision can result from many conditions and should be evaluated at the time of onset. Treatment for double vision can include prism glasses, strabismus surgery, or Botox injections. Genetic Eye Disease Many eye diseases have a known genetic abnormality. These diseases are often inherited and frequently there are other family members who have had the disease. In cases of known inherited eye disease in the family, early evaluation is important. The Dean McGee Eye Institute has an ophthalmic genetic counselor who routinely sees patients in the clinic.