OPT205 - Ocular Patho-Physiology

Subject Title
Ocular Patho-Physiology

Subject Description
This subject explores ocular pathologies and dysfunctions and the effect of medication on the eye and vision. Students learn to identify ocular conditions based on patient symptoms and signs. Examination, treatment procedures and the referral process to a medical doctor, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist are discussed.

Credit Status
One credit toward the Opticianry Diploma Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Analyze the implications of microbial invasion upon ocular tissue and discuss preventative measures.          

• Highlight the components of the infection chain.
•    Identify contact and non-contact transmission of infectious agents.                                                                                
•    Point out ways of preventing microorganisms transfer.     
•    Distinguish between vaious types of infectious agents.         
•    Identify ocular inflammation in terms of causes, signs, symptoms and physiological changes
•    Differentiate between inflammation and infection.     
•    List the functions of fluorescein, Rose Bengal and Lissamine stains in ocular evaluation.  

         2. Compare and contrast systemic conditions and their effects on the eye and vision

•    Discuss systemic conditions and their effect on vision.
•    Point out the visual problems, which may occur in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. 
•    Identify the effects of Diabetes Mellitus on vision.                                          
•    Identify the role of the optician in recognizing systemic conditions and the appropriate referral process.  

          3.  Analyze the causes, prevention, clinical presentation and treatment for ocular trauma 

•    Classify ocular trauma based on etiology.     
•    Highlight the procedures for general first aid for eye trauma.    
•    Demonstrate the importance of eye injuries prevention.     
•    Exemplify the use of contact lenses in post-trauma treatment.  
•    Identify the role of the optician in recognizing ocular trauma and the appropriate referral process

        4.   Interpret the signs, symptoms and treatment of ocular pathologies caused by aging

•    Differentiate the signs, symptoms and treatment of ocular pathologies caused by aging.
•    Present the reduction in visual acuity caused by cataract development in the visual system.  
•   Contrast phakia and aphakia.   
•    List the effects of lens extraction on vision.    
•    Present the steps of cataract surgery and the role of the intra-ocular lens implants.
•    Present the methods available for correction of vision following cataract surgery.    
•    Discuss intra-ocular lenses in terms of types, power determination and advantages.
•   Identify the role of the optician in recognizing ocular conditions caused by aging and the appropriate referral process.     

       5.  Analyze ocular pathologies in terms of causes, signs, symptoms, treatment and management.  

• Categorize lid pathologies based on their cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis.
• List the cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis of pathologies of  lacrimal apparatus.
• Categorize the following conjunctival pathologies based on their cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis. 
• Distinguish between the normal and abnormal appearance of the conjunctiva.     
• Differentiate between allergic and infectious conjunctivitis.     
• Contrast the cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis for scleritis  and episcleritis.  
• Highlight the cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis for the dermoid of limbus
• Distinguish corneal pathologies based on their cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis.
• Distinguish between the normal and abnormal appearance of the cornea.    
• Compare conjunctival and corneal pathologies based on staining.      
• Compare the cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis of anterior chamber pathologies.  
• Discuss the causes, types, signs, symptoms, treatment and management of glaucoma
• Separate uvial tract pathologies based on their cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis:   
• Separate iris pathologies based on their cause, signs, symptoms, treatment,  management and prognosis
• Describe the cause, development and appearance of various types of cataracts.
• Highlight the cause, signs, symptoms, treatment, management and prognosis for the lens subluxation
• Present the cause, signs, symptoms and treatment of floaters.   
• Categorize the following retinal pathologies based on their cause, signs, symptoms,  treatment, management  and prognosis:     
• Highlight the appropriate first aid for detached retina           

       
         6.   Assess the pharmacological action and side effects of medication on ocular structures and vision

•    Specify the use and action of eye drop medication.
•    Identify classes of systemic drugs that may cause mydriasis and suggest the need for absorptive lenses
•     Identify medications that indicate the need for lenses with UV filters.
•    Identify classes of systemic drugs that cause photosensitivity and suggest the need for absorptive lenses. 
•    Highlight the effects of antibiotics on ocular health and vision.   
•    Highlight the general use and potential effects on the eyes of systemic medications.
•    List the effects of herbal products and nutritional supplements on vision.                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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