Clinical Section

This section is directed toward physicians, physician assistants, ophthalmic technicians, and optometrists with cases or topics of interest being discussed. The cases are chosen such that a differential diagnosis can be obtained without the dependence on specialized ophthalmic diagnostic equipment.

Read this important information before proceeding further: These sections are not intended to replace the professional examination and diagnosis by a physician, and they are presented here purely for informational purposes. All possible diagnoses and treatment options are not covered, and the information discussed should not be taken as a recommendation to self-diagnose and self-treat a condition. A misdiagnosed or improperly treated eye condition can result in a permanent loss of vision, or a permanent loss of function of the eye or visual system. In the case of any eye problem, seek medical attention promptly. This can include emergency room treatment, as well as treatment by a medical physician or eyecare provider.

Topics Include:

• Ophthalmology Update Newsletter

• Ophthalmic Topics

• Ophthalmic Cases

• Medical Topics of Ophthalmic Significance

For eye anatomy explanations, go to ANATOMY

A quarterly newsletter discussing ophthalmic topics of interest to the medical physician. View or download current and old issues here.

• Ophthalmic Topics:

  • The Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD)
    This section includes a description of how to test for an RAPD, interactive graphical examples of RAPD's, and a differential diagnosis of causes of an RAPD (and also what does NOT cause an RAPD). (JavaScript enabled browsers required for interactive graphics.)
    
    

  • Interactive Examples of Abnormal Patterns of Ocular Motility
    This sections includes a description of how to evaluate ocular motility using cover-uncover testing, and has interactive examples of abnormal ocular motility, including:

    • Third Cranial Nerve Palsy

    • Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy (including Parks - Bielschowsky's Three Step Test)

    • Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy

    • Thyroid Related Orbitopathy

    • Blow-out Fracture with Entrapment of Inferior Rectus

    • Dissociated Vertical Deviation

    • Esotropia (Alternating)

    • Exotropia (Alternating)

    • Esotropia (with preferential fixation)

    (JavaScript enabled browser are required for interactive graphic demonstrations.)
    
    

• Ophthalmic Case Presentations:

  • Two Cases of Unilateral Ptosis with Headache
    Two diverse cases with somewhat similar clinical presentations. Pupillary function and extraocular motility help to make the diagnosis.
    
    

  • Two Cases of Acquired, Intermittent Vertical Double Vision
    Two cases with similar ocular findings, but subtle differences in the ocular motility patterns help lead to a diagnosis. Interactive graphical examples of ocular motility are included (JavaScript enabled browsers required).
    
    

• Medical Topics of Ophthalmic Significance:

  • Visit the Eye on Health section for additional information on medical conditions affecting the eye and visual system. This currently includes a Body Mass Index Calculator, and summaries of recent journal articles discussing ophthalmic complications of diabetes mellitus. Specific articles include:
     

    • The Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy: XIV. Ten-Year Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

    • The Effect of Intensive Diabetes Treatment on the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial

    • Intensive blood-glucose control with sulphonylureas or insulin compared with conventional treatment and risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 33)

    • Tight blood pressure control and risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes: UKPDS 38

    • The Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy: XVII The 14-year Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Risk Factors in Type I Diabetes

    • Antioxidant Nutrient Intake and Diabetic Retinopathy: The San Luis Valley Diabetes Study