ABO Ophthalmology case studies
ABO Ophthalmology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) certification examination is the written knowledge assessment that ophthalmologists complete on the path to board certification in the United States. It is aimed at residents finishing training and practicing ophthalmologists who need to demonstrate a broad, current fund of clinical knowledge. The ABO Ophthalmology case studies are 5 cases and about 3,205 words.
1Post-Cataract Corneal Decompensation in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy
A 74-year-old woman with known Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (guttae on specular microscopy, baseline central endothelial cell count 1,150 cells/mm² and 3+ confluent central guttae) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification with in-the-bag IOL implantation in the right eye 5 weeks ago. Surgery used standard phaco power with a dispersive viscoelastic.
597 words, about 3 min2Disc Hemorrhage Versus Diabetic Disc Edema in a Patient With Thin Central Cornea
A 61-year-old man with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 7.8%) is referred for a "suspicious optic disc" found on a routine screening photograph. He has no visual complaints.
594 words, about 3 min3Sudden Vision Loss With a Normal Fundus in a Patient on Anticoagulation
A 68-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation on apixaban and hypertension presents with painless sudden loss of vision in the left eye that she noticed on waking 2 days ago. Visual acuity is 20/200 OS and 20/20 OD.
570 words, about 3 min4Intermittent Exotropia in a Child With a Strong Family History of Amblyopia
A 6-year-old boy is brought in because his mother notices his right eye "drifts out" when he is tired or daydreaming, for about a year. It happens several times a day and he sometimes squints one eye in bright sunlight.
616 words, about 3 min5Painful Proptosis After a Dental Infection in a Diabetic Patient
A 58-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 10.2%) presents with 4 days of progressive right eye pain, swelling, and blurred vision. He had a lower molar abscess treated with oral antibiotics 10 days ago without drainage.
828 words, about 4 min