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INTRODUCTION

Ophthalmology is a rapidly progressing specialty that has evolved substantially over the past decade. Innovations in surgical techniques and tissue banking, as well as developments in ophthalmic surgical devices and implants, allow an increasingly sophisticated approach to ophthalmic surgery. Advances in imaging the microanatomy of the eye facilitate diagnosis and guide treatment. Developments in molecular genetics have also helped to identify genetic variants that contribute to inherited ocular diseases. Nonetheless, many diagnoses in ophthalmology can be made after a targeted history and careful examination without the need for sophisticated equipment.

EXAMINATION OF THE EYE

Evaluation of the eye and its adnexa requires a good history, assessment of visual function, and physical examination of the eyes. Occasionally, special examinations or tests may be required to identify specific ocular disorders or to establish the presence of associated systemic disease.

The basic equipment required for an eye examination by a nonophthalmologist includes the following: (1) a visual acuity chart, (2) a handheld flashlight, (3) an ophthalmoscope, and (4) a tonometer.

The basic medications required for an eye examination are (1) a local anesthetic such as proparacaine 0.5% or tetracaine 0.5%; (2) fluorescein strips; and (3) dilating drops, such as phenylephrine 2.5% or tropicamide 0.5%-1%.

History

In addition to eliciting a chief complaint, determining whether visual loss is monocular or binocular, central or peripheral, and painful or painless is a key first step in narrowing the differential diagnosis. Prior ophthalmic history (including known ophthalmic conditions, prior eye surgery or trauma, history of contact lens use, and relevant family history) should be obtained. A review of past medical history and all medications should be included as well.

Visual Acuity Testing

Central visual acuity, using the patient’s glasses if available, should be determined in all patients. The Snellen chart is commonly used. In the standard office setting, the patient faces the test chart at 6 m (20 ft). If the standard set up is unavailable, a handheld near card held at 14 inches away can be used. Make sure the patient is wearing their corrective lenses. For patients of presbyopia age (age 40 or above), a pair of +2.50 or +3.00 reading glasses should be used. Each eye should be tested separately. Visual acuity corresponds to the smallest line the patient can read. The patient who is unable to read the largest letter on the chart (typically a 20/200 letter) should be moved progressively closer until that character can be read and that distance recorded in the chart (ie, 10/200). If the patient is unable to recognize the largest letters on the chart, the patient should be tested for the ability to (from better to worse) count fingers, see hand motion, see light perception with projection (estimate direction of the light), see light perception without projection, and ...

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