PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE MEDICINE UNIT 19 THE EYE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE MEDICINE

UNIT 19

THE EYE

A.       Parts of the eye

 

B.        Examination of the eye

Here is an extract from a textbook description of how to examine the eye.

Look for the squint (strabismus), dropping of the upper lid (ptosis) or oscillation of the eyes (nystagmus). In lid lag, the upper eyelid moves irregularly instead of smoothly when the patient is asked to look down.

They are equal in size

They are regular in outline (evenly circular)

They are abnormally dilated (large) or constricted (small)

They react normally to light and accommodation (focus on near objects)

To test the reaction to accommodation, ask the patient to look into the distance. Hold your finger in front of their nose, and ask the patient to look at it. The eyes should come together, or converge, and the pupils should constrict as the patients looks at the finger.

Check also for cataract (opacity of the lens)

C.       Retinopathy

Hypertensive changes in the retina can be classified from grades 1 to 4.

Grade 1	silver wiring (increase in the light reflex) of the arteries only
Grade 2	grade 1 plus arteriovenous nipping (indentation of veins where they are crossed by arteries)
Grade 3	grade 2 plus flame-shaped haemorrhages and cottonwool exudates.
Grade 4	grade 3 plus papilloedeme

EXERCISES

19.1.       Complete the table with words from B opposite and related forms

Verb	Noun	Adjective
accommodate
	constriction
	convergence
	dilation, dilatation
droop
oscillate
react

19.2       Match the pictures (1-6) with the conditions (a-f). look at B opposite to help you.

	a	drooping of lids
	b	dilated pupils
	c	irregular pupils
	d	cataract
	e	squint
	f	constricted pupils

19.3        Complete the extract from a textbook. Look at C opposite to help you.

Retinoscopy

Examine the retine with an opthalmoscope, if possible with the 1 ___________ dilated to obtainthe maximum view. Look for papilloedema, and for 2 ___________ - ___________ haemorrhages and 3 ___________ exudates. Assess the state of the 4___________ and note the presence of any narrowing, as well as 5___________ at arteriovenous crossings.

ANSWER KEY