Mobile Eye Clinic Newsletter #7

How often do residents' eyes need to be tested?

It is our policy each patient is to be examined by the optometrist according to individual need, i.e., the examination to be as comprehensive or brief as is called for based on the presenting problem. The optometrist based on the nature of the patient’s condition also determines follow-up visits for various conditions. The following general guidelines, by diagnosis, may appropriately be applied when deciding how often to see a patient for a particular clinical problem.

1. GLAUCOMA -- 3-4 months (lOP, direct ophthalmoscopy, and visual field test)
2. CATARACTS -- 6-12 months (requires slit lamp exam & IOP)
3. APHAKIA -- once a year
4. PSEUDOAPHAKIA with capsular haze -- 6 months-once a year
5. MACULAR DEGENERATION -- 4-6 months, except for end stage
6. RETINOPATHY
-- Diabetic, background -- 3-6 months
-- Diabetic, proliferative -- 3 months
-- Hypertensive -- 6 months, variable if severe
-- Arterial or Venous Occlusion -- 3 months
-- At macula -- 3 months
7. DRY EYE SYNDROME -- Determined by severity & complications.
8. ACUTE PROBLEMS (conjunctivitis, iritis, blepharitis, episcleritis, chalazion, trichiasis, hordeolum, etc.) -- variable and as needed
9. NUMEROUS OTHER RETINAL/OCULAR PATHOLOGY – as needed according to standards of care

These guidelines are general in nature and do not address any specific patient condition/situation. The judgment and actions of the treating optometrist are held to be expert and appropriate so long as they are justified by complete documentation on the patient clinical record. Optometrists recommend certain procedures to remedy the eye problems, or refer the patient out for surgical evaluation or consult from other specialists such as ophthalmologists and patient’general practitioner, etc. It is the facility staff’s responsibility to carry through with optometrists’ recommendation for proper care of the patient.

Oranges Help Retinal Function

A study has shown that regular Vitamin C intake can prolong proper retinal function. It has found that cells in the eye need to be cleansed with Vitamin C inside and out to maintain proper function. This find could help with those prone to Glaucoma as it has shown that a diet with much Vitamin C could be protective against the disease. Read the full story at:
http://www.sightnation.com/news/orange-day-keeps-retinas-ok

Diabetics more likely to develop Glaucoma

A study in the US has concluded that people with diabetes are 35 percent more likely to develop open angled Glaucoma. The research team focused on metabolic syndromes to see how they would affect the likelihood of developing Glaucoma. The study also found however, that people with Hyperlipidemia were 5 percent less likely to suffer from Glaucoma in their lifetime. Read more about this at:
http://www.sightnation.com/news/raised-glaucoma-risk-those-diabetes-and-hypertension

Retina Imaging can reveal Alzheimer's

Retina imaging can aid in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, a study from Australia has shown. The researchers found that the width of the retinal blood cells was significantly different between people with Alzheimer's and people without. This correlated with the build up of amyloid plaques in the brain, an indicator of Alzheimer's. The researcher hope that in the future a simple eye test can check for Alzheimer's without much hassle as before. More about this at: http://www.revoptom.com/content/c/29664/