Abnormal growth occurs around ossicles and causes fixation of stapes, leading to conductive hearing loss

Degeneration of macular area (center area) of retina [center of greatest visual acuity] Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)= leading cause of legal blindness

• Risk may be reduced w/diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeoxanthin

2 types:

• Atrophic (Dry)
• Exudative (Wet)

S/s:

• Loss of central vision but peripheral vision remains intact
• Appearance of pale yellow spots on macula (Drussen)
• Visual distortion
• Difficulty w/activities requiring focus ad close central vision

Treatment:

Optic neuropathy w/gradula loss of vision. Imbalance b/t aqueous humor production & drainage --> to increased IOP

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Angle-closure (Narrow-angle/ Closed-angle)

Open angle s/s:

• Loss of peripheral vision
• Mild headaches
• Difficulty adapting to the dark
• Seeing halos around lights
• Difficulty focusing on near objects

Angle closure s/s:

• Triggered by pupil dilation
• Severe eye & face pain
• Nausea & vomiting
• Malaise
• colored halos around lights
• Episodes of sudden decline in vision

Excessive accumulation of endolymphatic fluid in membranous labyrinth.

S/S:

• Recurrent severe attacks of vertigo accompanied by sense of fullness in ears
• Roaring/ ringing tinnitus
• Nausea
• Headache
• Gradual/progressive sensorineural hearing loss (often unilateral)

Attacks may be increased by inc. sodium intake, vasoconstriction, premenstrual fluid retention, stress, allergies

Implementation:

• Low sodium diet
• If severe= fluid restriction
• Labyrinthectomy- complete removal of labyrinth, destroying cochlear function relieving vertigo but causing loss of any minimal remaining hearing as well

• Vascular disorder affecting capillaries of retina.
• Lose ability to transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to retina.
• Nearly half of hispanics w/DM have diabetic retinopathy.
• Risk r/t duration of DM, degree of glycemic control & presence of hypertension.

Gradual development of opacity in lens or lens capsule that results in loss of vision. (CLOUDY LENS) Adults over 65= SENILE CATARACTS

S/s:

• Decline in close & distance vision
• Blurred vision
• Changes in color vision (Loss)
• Glare
• Halos around lights
• Object distortion
• White/cloudy gray pupil

Treatments:

• Surgical removal is sole treatment (Extracapsular extraction)
• Accompanied by lens implant or treated w/corrective lenses

Otitis externa

• inflammatory external auditory canal (swimmers ear)

Otitis media

• inflammation middle ear (Consequence of upper resp. tract infection)
• air travel, rapid changes in elevation or diving may increase pain significantly and should be avoided

Separation of sensory layer of retina form choroid, the pigmented vascular layer Due to aging w/shrinkage of vitreous humor

S/s:

• Presence of floating spots (floaters) and/or flashing lights
• Progressive blurring of vision
• Sense of curtain or veil coming down , up or across field of vision, painless