ANSWERS, SCORED A+
What are the risk factors for elder hearing difficulties? Answer - - Aging
process
- CVA or other vascular disorders
- Ototoxic medications (can be reversed if caught early; meds like loop
diuretics, aspirin, chemo, antibiotics,
- Infections (the more ear infections, the more problems with hearing)
- Male gender
- Genetic predisposition
- Impacted cerumen
- Medical conditons (stroke, otosclerosis, meningitis, mumps, Paget's disease,
measles, radiation to head / neck)
- Noise-induced hearing loss
-Toxic material exposure (e.g., lead)
What is presbyopia? Answer - Diminished ability to focus on near objects
What vision conditions cause increased glare and halos? Answer - Cataracts
and glaucoma
What are the risk factors for elder visual difficulties? Answer - - Certain
ethnicities (glaucoma is more prevalent in African Americans and Hispanics)
, - Hypertension
- CVA
- Uncontrolled / poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking or second-hand exposure
- Sunlight exposure
- Warmer environments, low humidity, windy areas
- Certain medications (NSAIDS, cortical steroids, Parkinson's meds)
What do red, orange, and yellow fruits / vegetables contain that help with
vision (especially night vision)? Answer - Beta-carotene
How does discoloration of the lens over time affect color perception? Answer -
Whites seem more yellow; all colors seem darker
What is glaucoma? Answer - A group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss
and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid
builds up and puts pressure on the front part of your eye. It begins with
peripheral vision loss but can progress to central vision loss. It is assessed
through eye pressure tests, visual field tests, and assessment of the optic
nerve. Interventions include laser treatments, surgery, and ear drops.
What are cataracts? Answer - A cloudiness in the lens of the eye due to
deterioration. It is assessed through seeing opaqueness and discoloration of
the eye (visual acuity test, retinal exam, fluid pressure check). You cannot see a
pupil's response to light with cataracts. Interventions include surgery, avoiding
smoking, and limiting sunlight exposure.