Course: The Ageing Eye: Physiology & Pathology

Section

General

No CPD Points

Physiology & Pathology - Systemic

This course is the first module forming Part 1: Assessment in Docet’s Ageing Eye series and is designed as a companion piece to Physiology and pathology - Ocular.

This programme aims to refresh and update optometrists' understanding of common age-related systemic diseases and their effects on the eye. Each type of systemic condition is considered in turn and includes a look at the ocular effects of medications regularly encountered with older patients. The programme features expert advice and guidance from a GP, an ophthalmologist and an optometrist.

First published: September 2014
Last reviewed: August 2024

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Learning outcomes

Communication

s.2 Communicate effectively with patients

Understand the relevance of general health and systemic medications on ocular health and able to take a full, relevant history and symptoms in older patients.
Able to explain to an older patient the importance of systemic disease and its impact on eye health.

Clinical Practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understand the risk factors for common ocular conditions in the older population.
Able to recognise common ocular conditions associated with systemic diseases in the older population and the appropriate management plan for the patient.
Able to recognise ocular adverse reactions to common medications taken for systemic conditions in the older patient.

s.7 Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals

Understand referral pathways and the role of different professionals in the care of a patient with systemic and ocular disease.

Unit 1 - Introduction (~2 mins)

Unit 2 - Systemic hypertension (~5 mins)

References

URLNICE (2023) Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG136]. [Accessed Aug 2024] URL Opens in a new window.

Unit 3 - Heart disease (~6 mins)

References

URLNICE (2023) Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline [NG238]. [Accessed Aug 2024] URL Opens in a new window.
Hayreh S, Podhajsky P, Zimmerman M (2009) Retinal Artery Occlusion Associated Systemic and Ophthalmic Abnormalities. Ophthalmology, Jul 2.

Unit 4 - Stroke (~3 mins)

Please note: In this video clip, there is a small error on the visual field plot demonstrating a homonymous hemianopia, where the blind spot in the right eye is marked on the incorrect side of the plot. Please see correct field plot below.

FileUnit 4 - 1.19 mins correct field plot File Opens in a new window.

Unit 5 - Diabetes (~4 mins)

References

URLBhavsar A (2020) Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment & Management. [Accessed Aug 2024] URL Opens in a new window.
Scanlon P (2008) The English national screening programme for sight threatening diabetic retinopathy. Journal of Medical Screening 15 (1); 1–4
The Information Centre (2011) Health Survey for England 2010.
URLNICE (2022) Type 2 diabetes in adults: management. NICE guideline [NG28]. [Accessed Aug 2024] URL Opens in a new window.

Unit 6 - Smoking related disease (~2 mins)

References

URLDocet. Open Your Eyes: Modern Life and its Effects on the Eye – Smoking. [Accessed Aug 2024] URL Opens in a new window.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (US) Office on Smoking and Health (2014) The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General.