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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