Overview

4 out of 5 (3 Reviews)

Credits

2.00

Post Assessment Questions

12

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

12 Apr 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

120 Minutes


Unlimited Physician CME

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6820 CME activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 8100.5 hours of CME.

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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, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

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

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Physicians and Physician Associates: StatPearls, LLC designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians and PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Pathology: Successful completion of this Continuing Certification activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 2.00 Lifelong Learning (CME) credits in the American Board of Pathology’s Continuing Certification Program.

American Board of Surgery: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME and Self-Assessment requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC Program.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this 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. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Lloyd R. on 3/12/2023

William E. on 10/6/2024

Alexei K. on 11/5/2024

Unlimited Physician CME

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6820 CME activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 8100.5 hours of CME.

Learn About Lifetime CME

Single Activity

Take this single activity

$98 1 activity

6 Month Unlimited Physician CME

Access to all the Unlimited Physician CME activities in all specialties.

$329 per half year per user

1 Year Unlimited Physician CME

Access to all the Unlimited Physician CME activities in all specialties.

$499 per 1 year per user