The Eyes Have It

Published on Jun 19, 2024

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

The Eyes Have It

Keeping your sight sharp as we age

HelloCare

Helen Anderson, RN, MSN, GERO-BC
Photo by timefornurses

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snellen chart - top letter E is 20/200 vision. DEF line is 20/200 vision.
Photo by ego_and_lego

visual acuity

  • 20/20 average
  • 20/40 low vision, 20/200 legally blind
  • you see the chart as well at 20 feet as others do at 40 ft
  • recently loss of visual field (periferal vision) included in "low vision"
  • this effects how you live your life
standard test for eye function, 20 feet away from the chart. Test one eye, the other and then both. Use your corrective lenses if directed.
Photo by pj_vanf

glaucoma

  • 2nd leading cause of blindness >60
  • fluid (aquious humor) not draining
  • pressure builds up inside the eye
  • damages the optic nerve
  • no cure
  • drainage canal is narrow or obstructed
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to damage of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma may cause vision loss if left untreated. It has been called the "silent thief of sight" because the loss of vision usually occurs slowly over a long period of time. A major risk factor for glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). It is associated with age, a family history of glaucoma, and certain medical conditions or medications
Photo by Ben Chun

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eye drops used for glaucoma can be used singly or with a combination of up to 3 drops. Side effects of drops are minimal and can include dry mouth, low blood pressure, headache. They do not cure glaucoma and will not restore lost vision.

Causes of glaucoma

  • congenital - babies
  • normal tension - unk cause
  • uncertain why this occurs
  • detectable through eye exams, no symptoms for years
  • damage is irreversable so early detection is key
family history or unknown cause

Cannabis THC CBD

  • Can marijuana treat glaucoma
  • early users suggested yes
  • temporary effects
  • would need 8 doses per day
Glaucoma and other eye conditions cannot be treated with cannabis or other compounds derived from marijuana, such as CBD. That's because eye pressure must be managed 24 hours a day to effectively treat glaucoma. It's simply not practical to use marijuana constantly.

To reduce eye pressure in a noticeable way — and maintain that reduction — you would have to ingest about 18 to 20 mg of THC six to eight times a day, every day. Ingesting such a large amount of cannabis would dramatically affect your mood, mental clarity and (if smoked) lung health. You would not be able to drive, operate machinery or engage in many daily activities. Not to mention the cost of using marijuana every three to four hours, every day. Most patients could not afford this.

Macular degeneration

  • Eye disease affecting central vision
  • With macular degeneration can’t see things directly in front of them.
  • #1 cause vision loss > 50
  • Develops in one or both eyes
  • No cure
very common condition, effects frontal vision
Photo by rutty

stages of MG

  • Early: Macula changes, but vision isn’t affected.
  • Intermediate: Vision may get blurry or wavy
  • Late (advanced): Central vision fails completely
regular eye exams will catch this at the early phase with a visual exam
Photo by kenteegardin

no treatments

  • adjust lifestyle
  • assistive devices to maintain safety
be aware of limitations and make adjustments
Photo by cmirkin

Cataracts

  • Cloudy lens
  • Aging & medical conditions cause proteins and fibers to break down and clump together
  • Scatters the light and results in blurry image
cloudy lens fixable with surgery, easily done. One eye or both eyes operated on. Day procedure.

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Cataract surgery, usually an outpatient procedure, takes an hour or less to perform.

First, eye drops are placed in your eye to dilate your pupil. You'll receive medicines to numb the area. You also may be given a medicine to help you relax, called a sedative. If you're given a sedative, you may remain awake, but groggy, during surgery.

During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed, and a clear artificial lens is usually implanted. In some cases, however, a cataract may be removed without implanting an artificial lens.

Vision changes

  • cloudy or blurry vision
  • trouble seeing at night
  • need a brighter light
  • seeing halos around lights
  • fading of colors
  • double vision in one eye

Common eye conditions

  • diabetic retinopathy
  • dry eyes
  • trichiasis
  • floaters
Diabetic retinopathy - A condition found in those with type 1 or 2 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy occurs when excess glucose damages the blood vessels in the retina. These damaged blood vessels can swell and leak blood and other fluids into the retina, causing cloudy vision, and sometimes floaters or blurriness. Over time, symptoms increase in severity and you may experience dark spots or empty areas in your vision, or even vision loss

Dry eyes - After the age of 40, our tear production tends to decline. As a result, most people over the age of 65 experience some symptoms of dry eye, which can cause a stinging or burning sensation or gritty feeling in your eyes.
- Trichiasis - is a common condition associated with aging, where, because the eyelid skin loses elasticity, the eyelashes grow inward, toward the eye. The lashes can rub against the cornea or the conjunctiva (the thin inner surface of the lids), leading to irritation, such as redness and tearing, and light sensitivity or corneal abrasion.
Trichiasis can also develop because of an eye infection or a trauma to the eye. Treatment includes manually removing pesky lashes using a forceps-like device, an in-office procedure.
- floaters - Those tiny specks, strings and squiggles are usually harmless, caused by normal age-related changes in the vitreous, a gel-like fluid that fills the back of our eyes. If floater changes are minor or gradual, there is less cause for concern. But if you notice an increase in the number of floaters — or a sudden onset — see your eye doctor pronto.
Photo by PeterThoeny

Risks of low vision

  • unsafe driving
  • tripping/falling over items
  • social isolation
  • medication errors
these are serious risks - see your ophthalmologist as directed. Wear your corrective lenses and have a back up pair
Photo by Jolly Yau

Maintain eye health

  • eat well - omega 3, leafy greens, vitamins
  • no smoking
  • wear sunglasses, protect from UV rays
  • take screen breaks, min. screen time
  • regular eye check ups
be healthy, care for your eyes
Photo by MeganEHansen

questions?

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Helen Anderson

Haiku Deck Pro User