Low Vision and Geriatric Optometry Flashcards
6 cards from real AOA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Low Vision and Geriatric Optometry flashcards as text
Legal blindness in the United States is defined as best-corrected visual acuity of:
Answer: 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or visual field ≤20°
US legal blindness is BCVA ≤20/200 in the better-seeing eye OR a remaining visual field of ≤20° diameter (central island or tunnel vision).
The most common cause of irreversible vision loss in Americans over age 65 is:
Answer: Age-related macular degeneration
AMD is the leading cause of irreversible (non-correctable) vision loss in adults over 65 in the United States, primarily affecting central vision.
When prescribing reading glasses for a presbyopic patient in their 70s, the optometrist should expect the full near add to be approximately:
Answer: +2.50 to +3.00 D for a 40 cm working distance
By the mid-60s most patients have lost all functional accommodation; a +2.50 D add is needed for the standard 40 cm reading distance, potentially adjusted for the patient's preferred working distance.
Contrast sensitivity testing is important in geriatric optometry because:
Answer: It detects functional vision loss not captured by Snellen acuity
Contrast sensitivity (CS) decline is common in aging and early cataracts/AMD and can significantly impair functional vision even when Snellen acuity is near-normal.
Which optical low vision device provides the highest magnification but requires the shortest working distance?
Answer: High-plus microscopic spectacles
High-plus microscopic spectacle lenses (e.g., +20D) provide high magnification but require very short working distances (5 cm for +20D), limiting their practical use.
Driving cessation recommendations for visually impaired elderly patients should include which statement?
Answer: Patients with BCVA worse than 20/40 in the better eye typically do not meet US driving standards
Most US state driving standards require minimum acuity of 20/40 in the better eye; patients below this threshold should be counseled about driving cessation and alternative transportation.