AOBOO Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology-HNS key terms

A scraped or denuded area of the corneal epithelium, usually from trauma or foreign body, causing pain, tearing, and photophobia. It is diagnosed with fluorescein staining and managed with lubrication and prophylaxis against infection.

A defect of the corneal epithelium with underlying stromal inflammation, often infectious. Bacterial ulcers are treated with frequent topical antibiotics; fungal and herpetic ulcers require specific antimicrobial therapy and avoidance of steroids until the organism is identified.

Corneal infection by herpes simplex virus, typically producing a branching dendritic epithelial ulcer or, on recurrence, stromal inflammation and scarring. Epithelial disease is treated with topical antivirals or debridement; steroid use requires antiviral coverage.

A diagnostic technique in which fluorescein dye is instilled onto the eye and viewed under cobalt-blue light to highlight epithelial defects, which appear bright green. It is used to detect abrasions, ulcers, and abnormal tear film breakup.

A progressive noninflammatory ectasia of the cornea that thins and steepens centrally, producing irregular astigmatism and reduced vision. It is managed with rigid contact lenses, corneal collagen cross-linking, or keratoplasty in advanced disease.

A refractive error in which the cornea or lens has unequal curvature in different meridians, so light rays focus at different points. Regular astigmatism is corrected with cylindrical lenses; irregular astigmatism often requires rigid contact lenses.

Opacification of the crystalline lens that reduces light transmission and causes gradual painless vision loss, glare, and diminished contrast. Surgery with intraocular lens implantation is indicated when vision limits daily function.

A cataract surgery technique using ultrasonic energy to fragment and aspirate the lens nucleus through a small incision, followed by implantation of a foldable intraocular lens. Its small incision reduces astigmatism and speeds recovery.

Severe inflammation of intraocular tissues, usually from bacterial or fungal infection after surgery or penetrating trauma. It presents with pain, hypopyon, and marked vision loss and is treated urgently with intravitreal antibiotics and vitreous sampling.

Surgical removal of vitreous gel, performed to clear hemorrhage or infection, relieve traction, or repair retinal detachment. It is combined with gas, air, or silicone oil tamponade when retinal breaks require support.

Separation of the neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium. Rhegmatogenous detachment follows a retinal tear with fluid accumulation and causes a progressive visual field defect requiring prompt surgical repair.

An external silicone element sutured to the sclera to indent the eye wall and relieve vitreous traction on retinal breaks. It is used in repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, often combined with cryotherapy or drainage of subretinal fluid.

Microvascular retinal disease from chronic hyperglycemia, characterized by microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, and neovascularization in the proliferative stage. Vision loss arises from macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, or tractional detachment; treatment includes glycemic control and laser or anti-VEGF therapy.

Fluid accumulation within the macula causing central vision distortion and blurring. It complicates diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusion, and uveitis and is treated with anti-VEGF injections, steroids, or focal laser.

A chronic optic neuropathy with progressive retinal ganglion cell loss, characteristic disc cupping, and field defects, usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure and an open anterior chamber angle. Treatment lowers pressure with drops, laser, or surgery.

Glaucoma caused by obstruction of aqueous outflow when the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork, producing acute severe eye pain, halos, and a mid-dilated pupil. Emergent pressure-lowering medication and definitive laser iridotomy are required.

A filtering operation in which a partial-thickness scleral opening allows aqueous humor to drain into the subconjunctival space, creating a bleb. It is used when glaucoma is uncontrolled by medication or laser.

Inflammation of the optic nerve causing subacute unilateral vision loss, pain with eye movement, and a relative afferent pupillary defect. It is often associated with demyelinating disease and is treated with corticosteroids in selected cases.

A diminished pupillary constriction when light is swung from the healthy eye to the affected eye, indicating asymmetric optic nerve or extensive retinal dysfunction. It is detected with the swinging flashlight test.

Persistent fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection, causing conductive hearing loss and a retracted or bulging tympanic membrane. Management includes observation, tympanostomy tubes for persistent cases, and evaluation for nasopharyngeal causes in adults.

A small ventilation tube placed through the tympanic membrane to equalize middle ear pressure and drain effusion. It is indicated for recurrent acute otitis media or chronic effusion with hearing loss.

Behavioral testing that determines hearing thresholds across frequencies by air and bone conduction. The pattern of air-bone gaps distinguishes conductive from sensorineural hearing loss and guides further workup.

Hearing loss from dysfunction of the cochlea or auditory nerve, characterized by no air-bone gap on audiometry. Sudden sensorineural loss is treated as an emergency with corticosteroids; progressive cases warrant MRI to exclude retrocochlear lesions.

A benign tumor of the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve causing unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance. Diagnosis is by gadolinium-enhanced MRI; treatment options include observation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and resection.

Brief episodes of rotational vertigo provoked by head position changes, caused by displaced otoconia in a semicircular canal. Diagnosis uses the Dix-Hallpike maneuver and treatment is canalith repositioning.

Inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses lasting at least twelve weeks, with nasal obstruction, discharge, facial pressure, and reduced smell. Diagnosis requires endoscopic or CT evidence; treatment includes saline irrigation, intranasal steroids, and surgery when refractory.

Minimally invasive surgery using an endoscope to open obstructed sinus ostia and remove diseased tissue while preserving normal mucosa. It is used for chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical therapy and for selected tumors or polyps.

Benign inflammatory outgrowths of nasal and sinus mucosa causing obstruction, anosmia, and drainage. It is associated with asthma and aspirin sensitivity and is treated with intranasal or systemic corticosteroids and surgery.

Bleeding from the nose, most often from Kiesselbach plexus on the anterior septum. Management proceeds from pressure and topical vasoconstrictors to cautery, packing, or arterial ligation or embolization for posterior or refractory bleeding.

A malignancy arising from mucosal epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract, strongly linked to tobacco and alcohol and to HPV in the oropharynx. Staging guides combined surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; HPV-positive oropharyngeal disease has a better prognosis.

Surgical removal of cervical lymph node levels for staging or treatment of head and neck cancer. It may be radical, modified, or selective depending on which structures and levels are preserved.

A minimally invasive biopsy using a thin needle to sample cells from a mass, commonly a thyroid nodule or cervical lymph node. Results are reported by cytologic category and guide decisions about surgery.

Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland for nodules, goiter, or malignancy. Risks include recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, hypocalcemia from parathyroid injury, and hematoma with airway compromise.

A branch of the vagus nerve supplying most intrinsic laryngeal muscles, running in the tracheoesophageal groove near the thyroid gland. Unilateral injury causes hoarseness and bilateral injury can cause airway obstruction.

Partial or complete blockage of airflow at the larynx or below, presenting with stridor, retractions, and distress. Stridor timing localizes the level, and management prioritizes securing the airway before definitive treatment.

Acute inflammation of the epiglottis and supraglottic structures causing fever, drooling, muffled voice, and risk of sudden airway loss. The airway is secured in a controlled setting and antibiotics are given; examination with a tongue blade is avoided.

Congenital failure of fusion of facial and palatal structures producing feeding difficulty, speech impairment, and middle ear disease. Repair is staged, with lip closure in infancy and palate repair typically within the first year.

A set of hands-on techniques used by osteopathic physicians to address somatic dysfunction, improve mobility, and support homeostatic mechanisms. It is applied as an adjunct within a comprehensive treatment plan rather than as a replacement for indicated medical or surgical care.

Impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic system, identified by tenderness, asymmetry, restricted motion, and tissue texture change. It is a diagnostic concept guiding manual treatment and is documented by its characteristic findings.