Ophthalmology Mnemonics
The best ophth mnemonics for medical student finals, OSCEs and MRCP
Causes of cataracts (DAMAGED)
- Diabetes
- Aging
- Myopia/ Myotonic dystrophy/ Metabolic
- Anterior uveitis (chronic)
- Genetic
- Electricity/ radiation/ trauma
- Drugs (e.g. amiodarone, busulfan, chlorpromazine, dexamethasone)
Causes of optic atrophy (ICING)
- Ischaemia
- Compressed nerve
- ICP increased
- Neuritis
- Glaucoma
Causes of optic neuropathy (NIGHT TIC)
- Neuritis
- Ischaemia (Giant cell arteritis, vasculopaths)
- Granulomatous infiltration
- Hereditary (e.g. Friedrich’s ataxia)
- Traumatic
- Toxins (e.g. methanol, ethambutol, methotrexate, amiodarone)
- Irradiation
- Compression
Signs of optic neuropathy (PLAC)
- Pale disc
- Loss of visual acuity/ Loss of red colour vision
- Afferent pupillary defect
- Central scotoma
Symptoms of retinal detachment (4 F’s)
- Floaters
- Flashes
- Field loss
- Falling acuity