Question

Mr. G, a 65-year-old man, was in an automobile accident in which he suffered a concussion. Soon after he was released, he noticed what he described as a “gray spot” in his field of vision. At first he ignored it, thinking it would go away, but the spot seemed to darken and spread over his visual field. He didn’t report any pain with the problem. On calling his physician, he was advised to go to the nearest hospital immediately. A detached retina was diagnosed. After treatment, he regained most of his normal sight back. Five years later, he began having problems again. The central area of his visual field was becoming blurred, and he was losing his depth perception. An initial eye examination revealed neovascularization in both eyes.

1. Relate the patient history and circumstances of the injury and the signs and symptoms related to the pathophysiology of this condition. (See Detached Retina.)

2. Discuss the treatments available for the patient. (See Detached Retina.)

3. Relate the symptoms and signs to those of macular degeneration. (See Macular Degeneration.)

4. Discuss the treatment available and the prognosis for recovering his normal vision. (See Macular Degeneration.)

Answer 1