Anterior Findings (How to forward/preset)
The Anterior portion of the exam is when the doctor checks the health of the front of the eye with the slit lamp, and these findings are recorded in the boxes on the Exam tab on the left side of the screen. Using the slit lamp, sometimes in conjunction with fluorescein dye, the doctor is able to diagnose all conditions that affect the eyelids, conjunctive, cornea, sclera, anterior chamber, iris and intraocular lens.
Slit Lamp
The doctor might also use a fluorescein strip during the slit lamp examination which is a dye that will highlight and surface corneal irregularities.
How to record anterior Findings
Anterior Findings are recorded on the Exam tab. If the patient is established, the previous findings are usually forwarded from the most recent visit by right clicking in the middle of the anterior section, between the dropdown boxes, and selecting the “Forward from Last Value” option. If the patient is new, right click in the same area and select the “Assign Normal Values” option.
During the examination, some doctors prefer you to read off any previous findings (BCI in the bulbar conjunctiva, Arcus in the stroma, Gr. 1 NS, etc), Other doctors will review the previous findings themselves but still give you any new findings to record. Either way edit/record whatever your doctor tells you in the appropriate boxes.
Please use the image below when making your flashcards so that you can also note where to record each finding.
This image highlights where the most common anterior findings belong. Many of these items will be spoken in rapid succession, so it pays to become very familiar with each findings proper location.
Please watch the following video demonstrates how to record anterior findings.
Common eyelid diseases
The following videos introduce three of the most common diseases you will encounter that affect the eyelids: MGD, Blepharitis, and styes vs internal hordeolums
Common Diseases of the Conjunctiva
The following videos introduce you to three common disorders of the conjunctiva: pinguecula; pterygium, subconjunctival hemmorhages (conjunctivitis will be covered in the emergency module).
Common Diseases of the Cornea
The following videos introduce you to some common disorders of the cornea: SPK, Arcus, Neovascularization and dystrophy (abrasions will be covered in the emergency module).
The Anterior Chamber
The following video introduces the angle (recorded as “depth” on the exam screen” in the anterior chamber and how it relates to the two main types of glaucoma: narrow angle and open angle glaucoma.
The intraocular Lens
The following video introduces cataracts.
Please take the Checkpoint Quiz