Cataract |
- Gradual loss of vision, initially affecting night vision and peripheral vision.
- Increased glare and difficulty with bright lights.
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.
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- Comprehensive eye examination including slit-lamp assessment.
- Visual acuity testing.
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- Surgical removal of the cloudy lens.
- Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
- Accessible primarily in regions with adequate surgical resources.
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Trachoma |
- Recurrent conjunctivitis leading to scarring of the eyelids.
- Entropion and trichiasis (inward turning of eyelashes).
- Corneal opacity and eventual blindness.
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- Clinical examination of the eyes for signs of infection and scarring.
- Microbiological cultures for Chlamydia trachomatis.
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- Mass drug administration with antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin).
- Facial cleanliness and environmental improvements to reduce transmission.
- Surgical correction of advanced eyelid deformities.
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Vitamin A Deficiency |
- Xerophthalmia (dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea).
- Keratomalacia (corneal ulceration and necrosis).
- Night blindness and increased susceptibility to infections.
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- Clinical assessment of ocular symptoms.
- Serum retinol levels.
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- Vitamin A supplementation programs.
- Dietary interventions to include vitamin A-rich foods.
- Public health initiatives to prevent deficiency.
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Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) |
- Itchy skin and subcutaneous nodules.
- Visual impairment progressing to blindness.
- Retinal lesions and optic nerve damage.
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- Skin snips for microfilariae detection.
- Ophthalmologic examination for eye involvement.
- Serological tests for Onchocerca volvulus.
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- Regular administration of ivermectin to kill microfilariae.
- Community-directed treatment programs.
- Supportive care for ocular complications.
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Glaucoma |
- Often asymptomatic in early stages ("silent thief of sight").
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision progressing to central vision.
- Possible eye pain, redness, and halos around lights in acute cases.
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- Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry).
- Optic nerve assessment via ophthalmoscopy.
- Visual field testing.
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- Topical medications (e.g., prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers).
- Laser therapy to improve aqueous outflow.
- Surgical interventions (e.g., trabeculectomy) in advanced cases.
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Diabetic Retinopathy |
- Microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and exudates in early stages.
- Proliferative changes with neovascularization.
- Vision loss and blindness in advanced stages.
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- Comprehensive eye examination with dilated fundoscopy.
- Fluorescein angiography to assess retinal blood flow.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for retinal thickness and edema.
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- Strict glycemic control to prevent progression.
- Laser photocoagulation to seal leaking blood vessels.
- Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections to reduce neovascularization.
- Vitrectomy surgery in advanced cases with vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment.
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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) |
- Central vision loss, difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
- Distorted vision with straight lines appearing wavy.
- In wet ARMD, rapid onset of vision loss with dark or blurry areas.
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- Ophthalmoscopic examination of the macula.
- Fluorescein angiography to detect neovascularization.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detailed retinal imaging.
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- Dry ARMD: No definitive treatment; management focuses on nutritional supplements to slow progression.
- Wet ARMD: Anti-VEGF injections to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser therapy in specific cases to destroy abnormal vessels.
- Low vision rehabilitation to maximize remaining vision.
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