Question

Alicia, who is 62 years old, comes to the office for a routine eye examination. When you ask her when her last eye exam was, she tells you that she hasn’t had her vision checked in about 7 years, because the exams make her nervous. What should you (as a medical assistant )tell Alicia to help her feel more comfortable and to help her understand the importance of her eye examination?

Answer 1

Eye examination among geriatric is of great importance as they tend to suffer from complications due to various disease conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, Gloucoma, macular degenerative disease etc. Whereas some condition would develop due to oldage such as cataract, hypermetropia, diminished eye sight etc.

While communicating with Alicia, i would like to hear her reason for nervousness for the eye check up , if any previous traumatic experience, etc. I would assure Alicia that the best care will be provided and her comfort is our priority.

I would inform her about the complications of the disease condition that she might already be suffering with eg. Diabetes Mellitus. I would explain in detail about the pathophysiology of the condition so as to gain trust and make Patient understand the probability of suffering from such condition.

I would explain patients about various warning signs that she might come across and Incase of experiencing it, she should consult the doctor immediately. Warning signs are:

1. Sudden increase in number of floaters in eyes,

2. Redness if eyes

3. Excessive tearing of eye

4. Twitching of eyes

5. Diminished vision but excessive glare in the eye.

6. Pain in the eyes.

Incase of any one of these experienced should be immediately notified to the doctor.

Importance of eye check-up is important as

1.patient may drive automobile which might suffer due to their complete inability to speak

2. Patients quality of life may diminish due to non clarity of the object

3. Judgement of speed distance, depth etc are altered which can adversely affect the daily living of geriatric

Eye assessment is very important in day to day living especially for a geriatric patient.