CHAPTER 14 The Special Senses (Eye and Ear) Overview of the Eye • Eye acts much like a camera – Lens of eye adjusts to bring object into focus – Pupil of eye constricts to allow less light to enter in bright setting or dilates to allow more light to enter in darker setting – Through bending of light rays, image reaches retina • Sensitive nerve cell layer of eye • Image is transmitted to brain for interpretation 2 Structures of the Eye (Front View) • Sclera – White portion of eye • Tough, fibrous membrane • Maintains shape of eyeball • Serves as protective covering for eye • Iris – Colored portion of eye • Pupil – Opening in center of eye – Controls amount of light entering eye 3 Structures of the Eye (Front View) • Conjunctiva – Thin mucous membrane layer that lines anterior part of eye and inner part of eyelids • Colorless, but appears white because it covers sclera • Lacrimal gland – Located at upper outer edge of each eye • Produces tears • Lacrimal duct – Located at inner edge of eye • Tears drain from eye through this duct 4 Structures of the Eye (Front View) 5 Structures of the Eye (Front View) • Eyelids – Continuous with skin and cover the eyeball – Keep surface of eyeball lubricated and protected from dust and debris through blinking motion • Eyelashes – Located along edges of eyelids – Help protect eyeball by preventing foreign materials and/or insects from coming in contact with surface of eyeball 6 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Sclera – “White of the eye” – Thinnest over anterior surface of the eye – Thickest at the back of the eye, near opening for optic nerve • Cornea – Continuous with anterior portion of sclera – Transparent, nonvascular layer covering colored part of the eye 7 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Conjunctiva – Mucous membrane lining inner surfaces of eyelids and outer surfaces of eye • Choroid – Vascular middle layer of eye • Just beneath sclera • Contains extensive capillaries that provide blood supply and nutrients to eye • Contains the iris, ciliary body, and suspensory ligaments 8 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Iris – Colored portion of eye • Can be seen through transparent corneal layer • Pupil – Located in center of iris • Controls amount of light entering eye • Lens – Colorless biconvex structure that aids in focusing images clearly on retina 9 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Ciliary body – Located on each side of the lens – Contains muscles responsible for adjusting lens to view near objects • Suspensory ligaments – Radiate from ciliary body and attach to lens – Hold lens in place – Assist in adjusting shape of lens for proper focusing of eye 10 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Retina – Sensitive nerve cell layer • Changes energy of light rays into nerve impulses • Transmits nerve impulses via optic nerve to brain for interpretation of image seen by eye – Nerve cells of retina • Rods are responsible for vision in dim light and for peripheral vision • Cones responsible for visualizing colors, central vision, and vision in bright light 11 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Retina – Macula Lutea • Oval, yellowish spot near center of retina – Fovea Centralis • Small depression located within macula lutea • Sharpest image is obtained when image focuses directly on fovea centralis = central vision 12 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Optic nerve – Receives impulses from retina and transmits them to the brain • Images are then interpreted as vision • Optic disc – Contains no rods or cones – Known as the “blind spot” of the eye – Center of optic disc serves as point of entry for artery that supplies retina 13 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) Lateral Cross Section of the Eye 14 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Anterior cavity of the eye – Anterior chamber • Located in front of lens • Filled with clear, watery fluid called aqueous humor – Posterior chamber • Located behind lens • Also filled with aqueous humor • Flows back and forth between both chambers 15 Structures of the Eye (Cross Section) • Posterior cavity of eye – Posterior to lens – Filled with vitreous humor • Clear, jellylike substance that gives shape to the eyeball • Not constantly reproduced • Blindness can result if vitreous humor escapes from eye 16 Process of Vision • Process begins as light rays enter eye – Transmitted through cornea, aqueous humor, pupil, lens, and vitreous humor to retina • Sensitive nerve cells of retina transmit image through optic nerve to brain • Brain interprets image as vision 17 Process of Vision • Refraction – Process of bending of light rays as they pass through the various structures of the eye to produce a clear image on the retina • Errors of refraction – Occur when eyeball is abnormally shaped – Occur when lens has lost ability to accommodate to near vision • Vision will be blurred • Can be adjusted with corrective lenses 18 PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS The Eye Astigmatism • Pronounced – (ah-STIG-mah-tizm) • Defined – Refractive error causing light rays entering the eye to be focused irregularly on the retina due to an abnormally shaped cornea • Correction: contact lenses or eyeglasses to neutralize defect 20 Blepharitis • Pronounced – (blef-ah-RYE-tis) • Defined – Inflammation of the eyelid margins stemming from seborrheic, allergic, or bacterial origin 21 Blepharoptosis (Ptosis) • Pronounced – (blef-ah-roh-TOH-sis) • Defined – Occurs when eyelid partially or entirely covers the eye as a result of a weakened muscle 22 Blepharoptosis Blepharoptosis 23 Blindness • Pronounced – (BLINDNESS) • Defined – Absence of vision or the need for assistive devices and/or assistance from others to accomplish daily activities due to inability to see 24 Monochromatism (Color Blindness) • Pronounced – (mon-oh-KROH-mah-tizm) • Defined – Inability to sharply perceive visual colors • Daltonism – Unable to distinguish greens from reds • Achromatic Vision – Cannot distinguish any color; perceives only white, gray, and black 25 Cataract • Pronounced – (KAT-ah-rakt) • Defined – Lens in the eye becomes progressively cloudy losing its normal transparency • Alters perception of images due to interference of light transmission to retina 26 Chalazion • Pronounced – (kah-LAY-zee-on) • Defined – Cyst or nodule on eyelid resulting from an obstruction of a meibomian gland, which is responsible for lubricating margin of the eyelid 27 Conjunctivitis, Acute • Pronounced – (kon-junk-tih-VYE-tis acute) • Defined – Inflammation of mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the front part of the eyeball – Also called “Pinkeye” 28 Corneal Abrasion • Pronounced – (COR-nee-al ah-BRAY-zhun) • Defined – Disruption of the cornea’s surface epithelium commonly caused by an eyelash, a small foreign body, contact lenses, or a scratch from a fingernail 29 Diabetic Retinopathy • Pronounced – (dye-ah-BET-ik reh-tin-OP-ah-thee) • Defined – Condition that occurs as a consequence of an 8 to 10-year duration of diabetes mellitus in which the capillaries of retina experience scarring 30 Diabetic Retinopathy • Causes of retinal capillary scarring – Abnormal dilation and constriction of vessels – Hemorrhages – Microaneurysms – Abnormal formation of new vessels causing leakage of blood into the vitreous humor • Leakage causes permanent decline in sharpness of vision 31 Ectropion • Pronounced – (ek-TROH-pee-on) • Defined – “Turning out” or eversion of the eyelash margins from the eyeball leading to exposure of the eyelid and eyeball surface and lining • Occurs especially in the lower eyelid 32 Entropion • Pronounced – (en-TROH-pee-on) • Defined – “Turning in” of the eyelash margins resulting in the sensation similar to that of a foreign body in the eye (redness, tearing, burning, and itching) • Occurs especially in the lower margins 33 Exophthalmia • Pronounced – (eks-off-THAL-mee-ah) • Defined – Abnormal protrusion of the eyeball(s) usually with the sclera noticeable over the iris – Typically due to an expanded volume of orbital contents 34 Glaucoma • Pronounced – (glau-KOH-mah) • Defined – Ocular disorders identified as a group due to the increase in intraocular pressure 35 Glaucoma • Chronic open-angle glaucoma – Primary disorder – Breakdown in drainage system of the circulation of aqueous humor • Gradual elevation of internal pressure leads to decreased blood supply to optic nerve and retina • Peripheral vision is gradually lost when untreated 36 Glaucoma • Acute closed-angle glaucoma – Mouth of drainage system is narrow and closes completely – Allowing no flow of aqueous humor • Rapid occurrence characterized by severe pain, blurred vision, photophobia, redness, and seeing “halos” around light • If untreated, person can lose his or her sight within several days 37 Hemianopia • Pronounced – (hem-ee-an-NOP-ee-ah) • Defined – Loss of vision or blindness in one-half of the visual field 38 Hordeolum (Stye) • Pronounced – (hor-DEE-oh-lum) • Defined – Bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or sebaceous gland – Originating with redness, swelling, and mild tenderness in margin of eyelash 39 Hyperopia • Pronounced – (high-per-OH-pee-ah) • Defined – Refractive error in which the lens of the eye cannot focus on an image accurately – Results in blurred vision due to light rays focused behind the retina because eyeball is shorter than normal • Also called farsightedness 40 Hyperopia Hyperopia (Farsightedness) 41 Hyphema (Hyphemia) • Pronounced – (high-FEE-mah) • Defined – Bleed into anterior chamber of eye – Resulting as a postoperative complication or from a blunt eye injury 42 Keratitis • Pronounced – (kair-ah-TYE-tis) • Defined – Corneal inflammation caused by a microorganism, trauma to eye, a break in sensory innervation of cornea, hypersensitivity reaction, or a tearing defect – May be due to dry eyes or ineffective eyelid closure 43 Myopia • Pronounced – (my-OH-pee-ah) • Defined – Refractive error in which the lens of the eye cannot focus on an image accurately – Resulting in blurred distant vision due to light rays focused in front of retina because eyeball is longer than normal • Also known as nearsightedness 44 Myopia Myopia (nearsightedness) 45 Nyctalopia (Night Blindness) • Pronounced – (nik-tah-LOH-pee-ah) • Defined – Inadequate vision at night or in faint lighting following reduction in synthesis of rhodopsin – Compound in rods of retina that enables the eye to adjust to low-density light 46 Nystagmus • Pronounced – (niss-TAG-mus) • Defined – Vertical, horizontal, rotary, or mixed rhythmic involuntary movements of the eye(s) • Caused by use of alcohol or certain drugs, lesions on the brain or inner ear, congenital abnormalities, nerve injury at birth, or abnormal retinal development 47 Ophthalmia Neonatorum • Pronounced – (off-THAL-mee-ah nee-oh-nay-TOR-um) • Defined – Purulent (contains pus) inflammation of conjunctiva and/or cornea in newborn • Cause of the keratitis and conjunctivitis results from newborn’s exposure to viral, bacterial, chemical, or chlamydial agents 48 Presbyopia • Pronounced – (prez-bee-OH-pee-ah) • Defined – Refractive error occurring after age of 40 – Lens of the eye(s) cannot focus on an image accurately due to loss of elasticity • Also called farsightedness due to better clarity of distant objects 49 Pterygium • Pronounced – (ter-IJ-ee-um) • Defined – Irregular growth developing as a fold in the conjunctiva – Usually on nasal side of the cornea – Disrupts vision if it extends over pupil • Can be caused by allergies and excessive ultraviolet light exposure 50 Pterygium Pterygium 51 Retinal Detachment • Pronounced – (RET-in-al detachment) • Defined – Partial or complete splitting away of the retina from the pigmented vascular layer called the choroid, interrupting vascular supply to the retina and thus creating a medical emergency 52 Retinal Tear • Pronounced – (RET-in-al tear) • Defined – Opening in retina that allows leakage of vitreous humor 53 Scleritis • Pronounced – (skleh-RYE-tis) • Defined – Presence of inflammation in the white, outside covering of the eyeball, the sclera • Symptoms include intense redness with dull pain and possibly some loss of vision 54 Scotoma • Pronounced – (skoh-TOH-mah) • Defined – Defined area in one or both eyes – Decreased visual function 55 Strabismus • Pronounced – (strah-BIZ-mus) • Defined – Failure of eyes to gaze in same direction due to weakness in muscles controlling position of eye • Most common type is nonparalytic strabismus • Inherited defect in which the eye position of the two eyes has no relationship 56 Strabismus • Convergent Strabismus – Also known as “Crosseye” – Also known as “Esotropia” – Affected eye turns inward • Usually develops in infancy or early childhood 57 Strabismus • Divergent Strabismus – Also known as “Walleye” – Also known as “Exotropia” – Affected eye turns outward 58 Strabismus Strabismus (A) Convergent (B) Divergent 59 Synechia • Pronounced – (sin-EK-ee-ah) • Defined – Adhesion in eye that develops as a complication of trauma or surgery – Secondary condition of one of the following pathological conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, keratitis, or uveitis • Adhesion causes the iris to adhere to lens or cornea 60 Trachoma • Pronounced – (tray-KOH-mah) • Defined – Infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis – Chronic and will lead to blindness without treatment • Early symptoms include tearing, pain, photophobia, and inflammation 61 Uveitis • Pronounced – (yoo-vee-EYE-tis) • Defined – Inflammation of all or part of middle vascular layer of eye made up of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid • Characterized by blurred vision, pain, redness, pupillary constriction, and intense photophobia 62 DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES, TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES The Eye Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Corneal transplant – Surgical transplantation of a donor cornea (cadaver’s) into the eye of a recipient usually under local anesthesia • Electronystagmography – Group of tests used in evaluating vestibuleocular reflex • Normal reflex produced by stimulation of vestibular apparatus in which eye position compensates for motion of the head 64 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Electroretinogram (ERG) – Recording of changes in electrical potential of retina after stimulation of light • Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) – Surgical removal of anterior segment of lens capsule along with lens allowing for insertion of an intraocular lens implant 65 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Fluorescein staining – Application of a fluorescein-stained sterile filter paper strip moistened with a few drops of sterile saline or sterile anesthetic solution to the lower cul-de-sac of the eye to visualize a corneal abrasion 66 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Gonioscopy – Process of viewing anterior chamber angle of eye for evaluation, management, and classification of normal and abnormal angle structures – Intraocular lens implant • Surgical process of cataract extraction and insertion of an artificial lens in patient’s eye – Restores visual acuity and provides improved depth perception, light refraction, and binocular vision 67 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Iridectomy – Extraction of a small segment of the iris to open an anterior chamber angle and permit the flow of aqueous humor between the anterior and posterior chambers – Relieves person’s intraocular pressure 68 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Keratoplasty – Transplantation of corneal tissue from one human eye to another to improve vision in affected eye • Also called corneal grafting 69 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) – LASIK procedure is a form of laser vision correction for nearsightedness (myopia) • Ophthalmoscopy – Examination of external and internal structures of the eye – Utilizes an ophthalmoscope 70 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Pachymetry – Measures thickness of cornea • Patient’s eyes are numbed • Uses an ultrasonic-wave instrument to gauge thickness of each cornea 71 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Phacoemulsification – Removing a lens by using ultrasound vibrations to split up lens material into tiny particles that can be suctioned out of the eye • Photo Refractive Keratectomy – Surgical procedure in which a few layers of corneal surface cells are shaved off by an “excimer laser beam” to flatten cornea and reduce myopia or nearsightedness 72 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Retinal Photocoagulation – Surgical procedure using an argon laser to treat conditions such as retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy • Retinal Detachment – argon laser used to create an area of inflammation, which will develop adhesions, causing a welding of the layers • Diabetic Retinopathy – argon laser used to seal microaneurysms and areas of leakage, and to reduce risk of hemorrhage 73 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Slit-Lamp exam – Examination of external and internal structures of the eye using a low power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source focused to shine as a slit beam • Also known as biomicroscopy 74 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Tonometry – Process of determining intraocular pressure by calculating resistance of eyeball to an applied force causing indentation • Trabeculectomy – Surgical excision of a portion of corneoscleral tissue to decrease intraocular pressure in persons with severe glaucoma 75 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Trabeculoplasty – Surgical creation of a permanent fistula used to drain fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye’s anterior chamber – Usually performed under general anesthesia • Laser trabeculoplasty is an outpatient plastic surgery approach used in management of glaucoma 76 Overview of the Ear • Two important functions of the ear – Enables us to hear – Sensory organ of balance or equilibrium • Location of one ear on each side of head produces binaural hearing – Hearing from both sides 77 Structures of the Ear • External ear – Visible portion not contained within the head – Auricle or pinna • Cartilaginous flap or ear lobe – External auditory canal • Tube leading from auricle to the middle ear • Lined with tiny hairs called cilia to aid in transmitting sound waves inward – Tympanic membrane (eardrum) • Separates external ear from middle ear 78 Structures of the Ear • Middle ear – Three tiny bones known as auditory ossicles – Malleus • Resembles shape of a hammer • Connected to tympanic membrane and transmits sound vibrations to second auditory ossicle – Incus • Resembles shape of an anvil • Transmits sound vibrations from malleus to third auditory ossicle 79 Structures of the Ear • Middle ear – Stapes • Shaped like a tiny stirrup • Transmits sound vibrations from incus to inner ear – Eustachian tube • Connects middle ear to pharynx • Auditory tube – Oval window • Separates middle ear from inner ear • Base of stapes fits into oval window 80 Structures of the Ear • Inner ear – Vestibule • Central portion of inner ear • Located next to stapes and between cochlea and semicircular canals • Contains utricle and saccule-membranous pouches or sacs that aid in maintaining balance – Cochlea • Snail-shaped bony structure • Contains endolymph and perilymph • Auditory fluids that aid in transmission of sound vibrations 81 Structures of the Ear • Inner ear – Organ of Corti • True organ of hearing • Contained within the cochlea • Here, sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain for interpretation as hearing – Semicircular canals • Located behind the vestibule • Three bony, fluid-filled loops that help to maintain one’s balance 82 Structures of the Ear 83 The Process of Hearing Pathway of sound vibrations 84 PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS The Ear Cholesteatoma • Pronounced – (koh-lee-stee-ah-TOH-mah) • Defined – Slow-growing cystic mass made up of epithelial cell debris and cholesterol found in the middle ear • Occurs as a congenital defect or as a result of chronic otitis media 86 Deafness, Conductive • Pronounced – (Deafness kon-DUK-tiv) • Defined – Hearing loss caused by breakdown of the transmission of sound waves through the middle and/or external ear 87 Deafness, Sensorineural • Pronounced – (Deafness sen-soh-ree-NOO-ral) • Defined – Hearing loss caused by inability of nerve stimuli delivered to brain from inner ear due to damage in auditory nerve or cochlea 88 Impacted Cerumen • Pronounced – (Impacted seh-ROO-men) • Defined – Excessive accumulation of waxlike secretions from glands of external ear canal 89 Labyrinthitis • Pronounced – (lab-ih-rin-THIGH-tis) • Defined – Infection or inflammation of the labyrinth or the inner ear – Specifically, the three semicircular canals in the inner ear – Fluid-filled chambers and control balance 90 Mastoiditis • Pronounced – (mass-toyd-EYE-tis) • Defined – Inflammation of mastoid process – Usually an acute expansion of an infection in the middle ear – Otitis media 91 Ménière's Disease • Pronounced – (may-nee-ARYZ dih-ZEEZ) • Defined – Chronic inner ear disease – Over accumulation of fluid in the labyrinth – Characterized by recurring episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear, and tinnitus 92 Otitis Externa (O.E.) (Swimmer’s Ear) • Pronounced – (oh-TYE-tis eks-TER-nah) • Defined – Inflammation of outer or external ear canal • Result of growth of bacteria or fungi in external ear • Major symptom is pain, especially when the ear is tugged on, along with a red swollen ear canal 93 Otitis Media, Acute (A.O.M.) • Pronounced – (oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah) • Defined – Middle ear infection – Predominately affects infants, toddlers, and preschoolers 94 Serous Otitis Media (S.O.M.) • Pronounced – (SEER-us oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah) • Defined – Collection of clear fluid in middle ear that may follow acute otitis media or be due to an obstruction of eustachian tube 95 Suppurative Otitis Media • Pronounced – (SOO-per-ah-tiv oh-TYE-tis MEE-dee-ah) • Defined – Purulent collection of fluid in the middle ear – Person may experience pain (possibly severe), an elevation in temperature, dizziness, decreased hearing, vertigo, and tinnitus – Also called acute otitis media 96 Otosclerosis • Pronounced – (oh-toh-sklair-OH-sis) • Defined – Condition in which footplate of stapes becomes immobile and secured to oval window – Results in a hearing loss 97 Perforation of Tympanic Membrane • Pronounced – (per-for-AY-shun of the tim-PAN-ik membrane) • Defined – Rupture of tympanic membrane or eardrum 98 DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES, TREATMENTS, AND PROCEDURES The Ear Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Audiometry – Process of measuring how well an individual hears various frequencies of sound waves • Otoscopy – Use of an otoscope to view and examine tympanic membrane and various parts of outer ear 100 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Tuning Fork Test (Rinne Test) – Examination that compares bone conduction and air conduction • Tuning Fork Test (Weber Test) – Examination used to evaluate auditory acuity as well as discover whether a hearing deficit is a conductive loss or a sensorineural loss 101 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Otoplasty – Removal of a portion of ear cartilage to bring pinna and auricle near head • Stapedectomy – Microsurgical removal of stapes diseased by otosclerosis – Typically under local anesthesia 102 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Hearing aids – Devices that amplify sound to provide precise perception and interpretation of words • • • • In-canal style – fits completely into ear canal In-ear style – worn in external ear Behind-ear style – placed behind ear Body hearing aid – sound delivered to ear canal by way of microphone 103 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Myringotomy – Surgical procedure with insertion of a small ventilation tube into inferior segment of tympanic membrane • Tympanotomy – Also called a myringotomy 104 Diagnostic Techniques, Treatments, and Procedures • Myringoplasty – Surgical repair of the tympanic membrane with a tissue graft after a spontaneous rupture that results in hearing loss • Tympanoplasty – Also called a myringoplasty 105