Course: The Ageing Eye: Physiology & Pathology

Section

General

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Physiology & Pathology - Systemic

Physiology & Pathology - Systemic is one of the modules forming 'Part 1 Assessment' in DOCET's series 'The Ageing Eye' and is designed as a companion piece to 'Physiology & 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.

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Learning objectives

1.1.1 To improve understanding of the relevance of general health and systemic medications on ocular health and the importance of a full history and symptoms.
1.2.3 To improve understanding of how to explain to an older patient the importance of systemic disease and its impact on eye health.
2.6.2 To improve the understanding of referral pathways and the role of different professionals in the care of a patient with systemic and ocular disease.
6.1.1 To improve the understanding of the risk factors for common ocular conditions in the older population.
6.1.13 To improve the recognition of common ocular conditions associated with systemic diseases in the older population and the appropriate management plan for the patient.
6.1.15 To improve the recognition of ocular adverse reactions to common medications taken for systemic conditions in the older patient.

Unit 1 - Introduction (~2 mins)

Unit 2 - Systemic hypertension (~5 mins)

References

URLHypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG136] (28 August 2019) [Accessed Jul 2020] URL Opens in a new window.

Unit 3 - Heart disease (~6 mins)

References

URLCardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline [CG181] (27 September 2016) [Accessed Jul 2020] URL Opens in a new window.
Hayreh SS, Podhajsky PA, Zimmerman MB; Retinal Artery Occlusion Associated Systemic and Ophthalmic Abnormalities. Ophthalmology. 2009 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 [Accessed Jul 2020] File Opens in a new window.

Unit 5 - Diabetes (~4 mins)

References

URLBhavsar AR (2020) Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment & Management. Medscape [Accessed Jul 2020] URL Opens in a new window.
Scanlon PH (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
URLType 2 diabetes in adults: management. NICE guideline [NG28] (28 August 2019) [Accessed Jul 2020] 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 Jul 2020] URL Opens in a new window.
The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2014

Unit 7 - Malignant disease (~6 mins)

References

California Cancer registry, annual Statistical tables by Site, accessed December 5, 2011

C Huerta, L A García, Rodríguez (2000). Incidence of ocular melanoma in the general population and in glaucoma patients. J Epidemiol Community Health 2001;55:338-339