Importance of a Yearly Eye Exam and Possible Consequences

Regular yearly eye exam is important for maintaining of optimal eye health as well as its overall well-being. An eye exam serves as a preventive measure for detecting and addressing of different eye conditions as well as vision problems early enough. Without regular eye check-ups, an individual might unknowingly develop various eye issues that could generate serious consequences (Stein, Khawaja & Weizer, 2021). Failing to observe annual exams increases risk of missing out on early signs of common eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. They often have no noticeable symptoms in their initial stages. If they are left undiagnosed and untreated, such conditions can progress to advanced stages, leading to irreversible vision loss or at some point blindness. Besides, annual eye exam is not only about assessing vision but also help in revealing underlying health issues, including diabetes or high blood pressure (Stein, Khawaja & Weizer, 2021). Precisely, changes in blood vessels within the eyes could indicate systemic health problems. Thus, yearly eye exam is a suitable and proactive approach to consider so as to preserve vision, safeguard eye health, and to ensure that potential health concerns are identified before they become debilitating.

Explanation on Why Doctors Measure Reflexes and Possible Consequence

Doctors measure reflexes during diagnostic exams so as to provide valuable information on functioning of nervous system. Reflexes are regarded to be automatic responses to some specific stimuli, therefore, assessing reflexes help physicians to determine integrity of neural pathways as well as to discover potential neurological abnormalities. A common reflex test involves tapping a person’s knee with a rubber hammer to elicit knee-jerk reflex (Tabrah et al., 2022). So, absent or abnormal reflexes might show various neurological issues which might be nerve damage and spinal cord injuries. Besides, some other diseases affecting nervous system like multiple sclerosis or ALS might be cause of abnormal response. If a doctor fails to measure reflexes, there would be some significant consequences. To begin with, failure to measure reflexes can generate a missed or delayed diagnosis of some underlying neurological disorders thus a patient fail to receive timely treatment or intervention (Tabrah et al., 2022). Basically, delayed treatment might allow the condition to progress which lead to irreversible damage or complications. Furthermore, overlooking reflex assessment can create room for inaccurate diagnoses as well as poor treatment plans due to absence of important data. That way, a physician may tend to make incorrect assumptions about neurological health of a patient.

Evaluation of Symptoms and Results of Patient 1 and Possible Resolution

The lab scenario selected is color blindness test as it fits patient diagnosed with color blindness.  Derrick Mendez who is a 22-year-old patient underwent Ishihara Color Test to assess color blindness. Despite reporting no specific symptoms related to color vision, test results show that he is color blind since he is unable to distinguish patterns presented in test plates. Such outcome showcases that Derrick has some kind form of color vision deficiency, which might impact his ability to perceive certain colors accurately. While Derrick may not have noticed any significant visual challenges in his day-to-day life, diagnosis of color blindness is vital for his awareness and to adapt to situations where color discrimination is important like traffic signals (Yasin et al., 2022). There is no cure for color blindness but Derrick can using special lenses, use of symbols, or color coded aids so that he can adapt in whichever environment he is in.

Evaluation of Symptoms and Results of Patient 2 and Possible Resolution

The lab scenario selected is based on astigmatism test as it fits the patient chosen. The patient is a 45-year old woman and her name is Maria Hein. She has reported symptoms of decreased focusing ability for near objects and headaches. Such symptoms are frequently influenced by visual disturbances. Results of the astigmatism test indicate that some spokes on the wheel appeared darker which confirms presence of astigmatism. This condition is often characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens within human eye which results to blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances (Ghilardi et al., 2019). Given Maria’s symptoms and positive test results, it is important to recommend a comprehensive eye examination which should be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist so as to evaluate severity of her astigmatism. Besides, another aim is to assess if corrective measures such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses might be required by Maria. Additionally, the headaches she experiences could be associated with eye strain caused by untreated astigmatism. So, timely vision correction to mitigate her symptoms and to boost her overall visual comfort and clarity is essential.

Evaluation of Symptoms and Results of Patient 3 and Possible Resolution

The lab scenario selected is knee jerk reflex test. This is because it marches the symptoms the patient is showing.  Edward Norton, a 70-year-old patient, reports symptoms of muscle weakness and blurred vision which is a concern, particularly by taking his age into consideration. Knee jerk reflex test results are showing an abnormal response since Edward’s leg showed no movement. This indicates a neurological issue affecting reflex arc, may be due to nerve dysfunction or damage (Lazar, 2022). Absence of leg movement in response to reflex hammer tap guarantees further investigation into his muscle weakness as well as blurred vision. Reason is that no leg movement is considered abnormal thus a potential underlying problem with his nervous system. So, possible resolution is comprehensive medical evaluation which should be performed by a neurologist to determine extent of his neurological issues. Also, a thorough ophthalmological examination to identify root cause of his blurred vision. Edward’s symptoms could be due to other various underlying conditions thereby a prompt and accurate diagnosis is required so as to initiate appropriate treatment and effectively address his health concerns.

References

Ghilardi, M., Boys, H., Török, P., Busfield, J. J., & Carpi, F. (2019). Smart lenses with electrically tuneable astigmatism. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52168-8

Lazar, J. W. (2022). The early history of the knee-jerk reflex in neurology. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 31(4), 409-424. https://doi.org/10.1080/0964704x.2021.1980965

Stein, J. D., Khawaja, A. P., & Weizer, J. S. (2021). Glaucoma in adults—screening, diagnosis, and management. JAMA, 325(2), 164. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.21899

Tabrah, J., Wilson, N., Phillips, D., & Böhning, D. (2022). Can digital rectal examination be used to detect cauda equina compression in people presenting with acute cauda equina syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 58, 102523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102523

Yasin, V., Peniarsih, P., Gozali, A., & Junaedi, I. (2022). Application of expert system diagnosis of color blindness with Ishihara method with Microsoft VB 6.0. International Journal of Informatics, Economics, Management and Science, 1(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.52362/ijiems.v1i1.678