Optometry clinics : the official publication of the Prentice Society
-
Pediatric vision care is important to the welfare of every child. Recent research has shown that early vision care is advantageous for proper vision development. Primary vision care is recommended for infants and young children. ⋯ Measurement of visual function is greatly dependent on the examiner's skill in integrating knowledge of normal development, use of age-appropriate tests, and observational abilities. This paper is a summary of techniques that are applicable to the primary care examination of infants and young children. Comments are included on patient management and practice preparation to welcome young children.
-
Contact lens practice is the leading source of liability claims involving optometrists. Claims most often allege negligence, although informed consent or product liability may also be causes of legal claims for damages. For daily wear patients, the most likely causes of claims are nonapproved use of lenses or solutions, monovision contact lenses, negligence by a contact lens technician, failure to verify lenses before dispensing, mismanagement of contact lens-related corneal abrasions, and inadequate monitoring of ocular health. For extended-wear patients, the most common sources of liability claims are inappropriate patient selection, inadequate training of patients, improper wearing schedules, improper management of contact lens-related corneal complications, and inadequate monitoring of ocular health.
-
Glaucoma is a condition that challenges even the most experienced clinicians. Diagnosis may be straightforward and relatively simple, or difficult and trying. ⋯ Communication among team members is a key to success. Described in this paper is a potential model for the development and implementation of a successful glaucoma co-management team.
-
Contact lens disinfection plays an important role in both patient education and office management. Several methods of disinfection are available for protecting the contact lens wearer from contamination by a variety of organisms, but no one system is best suited to all lenses, patients, or situations. ⋯ Essential also is thorough lens cleaning and rinsing as well as preventing lens case contamination. The practitioner needs to educate each patient for optimal lens care compliance at home, and to instruct staff on maintaining safe trial lenses in-office.
-
Hyphema is a potentially sight-threatening sequela of blunt trauma. Delayed healing time, poor visual outcome, and complications such as corneal blood staining, anterior and posterior synechiae, increased intraocular pressure, and glaucomatous optic atrophy are most often associated with hemorrhage filling more than one half of the anterior chamber. Rebleeds are most likely 3 to 5 days following injury, in children, in blacks (particularly if they have sickle cell disease), and in persons who have ingested aspirin or other antiplatelet compounds. ⋯ Intraocular pressure-reducing medications may be required if there is significant elevation of IOP. The affected eye should be protected with a shield, and follow-up examinations should be conducted as necessary. Both the anterior and posterior eye should receive careful assessment.