Overview

4 out of 5 (1 Reviews)

Credits

2.00

Post Assessment Questions

12

Start Date

19 Jul 2022

Last Review Date

12 Apr 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

120 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Keratoconus is a progressive bilateral corneal ectatic disorder characterized by cone-like steepening of the cornea, irregular stromal thinning, and significant vision loss. Keratoconus is a leading indication for corneal transplantation in Western countries and can be associated with other medical conditions. Although keratoconus was traditionally viewed as a noninflammatory disorder, recent studies suggest the involvement of potential inflammatory components. Patients affected by keratoconus experience decreased visual acuity due to irregular astigmatism and myopia, which results from corneal distortion and scarring.

The initial detection of keratoconus can pose challenges, as patients often experience difficulty achieving adequate visual correction with spectacles and encounter variable reductions in visual acuity, image distortion, and increased sensitivity to glare and light. Microscopic examination reveals thinning of the stromal layer, the presence of iron in the epithelial basement membrane, and ruptures in the Bowman membrane. Although keratoconus may present independently, it can also be associated with other medical conditions such as Down syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, and mitral valve prolapse.

Initial treatment options for keratoconus, personalized for each patient, include prescription spectacles, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, and collagen cross-linking, which, if administered early, may slow or halt disease progression. In advanced cases where contact lenses prove ineffective, keratoplasty may be required as a further intervention. This activity delves into the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of keratoconus, emphasizing early detection of the condition. This activity also provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and tools to mitigate morbidity and enhance the overall quality of life for affected patients.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify early signs and symptoms of keratoconus during routine eye examinations.

  • Screen at-risk individuals, including those with a family history or predisposing factors, for keratoconus using appropriate diagnostic tests.

  • Select appropriate advanced diagnostic techniques and management options based on individual patient factors to accurately diagnose and stage keratoconus.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care plans and optimize patient care and outcomes.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Lloyd R. on 3/12/2023

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