Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Amblyopia , often referred to as “lazy eye”—a neurodevelopmental disorder where vision fails to develop properly in one or both eyes during early childhood. You’ll learn about the most common causes, including strabismus, refractive errors, and visual deprivation, and understand why early detection and interventio...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Amaurosis Fugax , a transient monocular vision loss often described by patients as a “curtain coming down” over the eye. You’ll learn about its underlying vascular causes—most commonly embolic from carotid artery disease—and how it serves as a warning sign for possible stroke. We also review key history questio...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) , a common retinal vascular disorder that presents with sudden, painless vision loss—often described as “blood and thunder” on fundoscopic exam. You’ll learn about key risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, the difference between ischemic and non-ischemic CRVO, and curr...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) , often described as a “stroke of the eye.” You’ll learn to recognize its sudden, painless monocular vision loss, understand the significance of a cherry-red spot on fundoscopy, and explore the vascular and embolic causes that require urgent evaluation. Rapid identifica...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Retinopathy , a broad term describing retinal damage often caused by systemic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. You’ll learn how to identify hallmark findings such as microaneurysms, cotton wool spots, and neovascularization, and understand the pathophysiology behind diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy ....

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Retinal Detachment , an ophthalmologic emergency where the neurosensory retina separates from the underlying epithelium. You’ll learn to recognize classic symptoms like sudden flashes, floaters, and a “curtain” over the visual field. We’ll also discuss risk factors, key exam findings, and the urgency of ophthalm...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Macular Degeneration , a leading cause of central vision loss in older adults. You’ll learn to distinguish between dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular) forms, identify hallmark findings such as drusen and subretinal fluid, and review current strategies for monitoring, prevention, and treatment—including the role o...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Periorbital Cellulitis , an infection of the eyelid and soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum. You’ll learn how to differentiate it from orbital cellulitis, recognize common signs like eyelid erythema and swelling without vision changes or extraocular movement restriction, and identify when oral antibiotics...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Orbital Cellulitis , a potentially sight- and life-threatening infection involving the tissues posterior to the orbital septum. You’ll learn to distinguish it from preseptal cellulitis, recognize red-flag symptoms like ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, and vision changes, and understand the importance of urgent imagi...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Papilledema , a bilateral swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. You’ll learn how to distinguish true papilledema from pseudopapilledema, identify key warning signs such as transient visual obscurations and blurred disc margins, and understand the importance of neuroimaging before lumba...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Optic Neuritis , an acute inflammatory condition of the optic nerve often associated with multiple sclerosis. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark signs like unilateral vision loss, pain with eye movement, and an afferent pupillary defect. We’ll also cover the diagnostic approach—including the role of MRI—and discu...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Nystagmus , a rhythmic, involuntary movement of the eyes that can be congenital or acquired. You’ll learn how to differentiate between pendular and jerk nystagmus, recognize patterns that suggest central versus peripheral causes, and understand how underlying etiologies—such as vestibular disorders, multiple scl...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, dives into Entropion , a condition where the eyelid—typically the lower lid—rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. We’ll discuss the underlying causes such as age-related degeneration, scarring, or spasm of the orbicularis muscle. You’ll learn to recognize key symptoms like foreign body sensation,...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explains Ectropion , an eyelid disorder where the lower lid turns outward, exposing the conjunctiva. We review the causes—ranging from age-related tissue laxity to facial nerve palsy and post-trauma changes—and walk through the classic signs and symptoms like excessive tearing, eye irritation, and redness. You’ll learn w...

In this EENT101 episode, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales covers the classic Hordeolum —also known as a stye. You’ll learn to identify the hallmark presentation: a painful, red, swollen bump along the eyelid margin. We’ll differentiate between external (gland of Zeis) and internal (meibomian gland) types, discuss common pathogens like Staph aureus , and review evidence-based management including war...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down the essentials of a Chalazion , a painless, chronic granulomatous inflammation of the meibomian gland. Learn how it differs from a hordeolum (stye), what causes it, and how to manage it conservatively with warm compresses and eyelid hygiene. We’ll also discuss when to refer for incision and curettage or steroid injection—espec...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales discusses Blepharitis , a common and often chronic eyelid inflammation seen in primary care and ophthalmology settings. Learn how anterior (Staph or seborrheic) and posterior (meibomian gland dysfunction) subtypes present with symptoms like eyelid irritation, crusting, burning, and red eyes. We cover diagnosis based on clinical exam and t...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales reviews Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca , also known as dry eye syndrome. We discuss the common causes—including aging, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren syndrome, and environmental factors—and how decreased tear production or increased evaporation leads to ocular discomfort. Tune in to learn about hallmark symptoms like foreign body sensatio...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales explains Dacryostenosis , or nasolacrimal duct obstruction—most commonly seen in infants. You’ll learn how to recognize the classic signs of persistent tearing and mucoid discharge without conjunctival injection. We also cover the first-line management with lacrimal sac massage, the role of warm compresses, and when to refer for surgical...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down Dacryocystitis , an infection of the lacrimal sac typically caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. You’ll learn how this condition presents—classically with pain, redness, swelling, and purulent discharge near the medial canthus—and which organisms are most common ( Staph aureus , Strep pneumo ). We also review treatm...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales reviews Dacryoadenitis , an inflammation of the lacrimal gland that presents with pain, swelling, and erythema of the upper outer eyelid. Learn to recognize the key difference between acute (often bacterial or viral) vs chronic (typically inflammatory or systemic) cases. We’ll talk about common pathogens like Staph aureus and EBV , how to...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down Uveitis , an intraocular inflammation that can involve the anterior, intermediate, posterior, or entire uveal tract. We’ll cover key causes—including autoimmune conditions, infections, and trauma—and walk you through classic symptoms like eye pain, photophobia, blurry vision, and a “cell and flare” appearance on slit-lamp exam...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales dives into Scleritis , a serious and often painful inflammation of the sclera that is commonly associated with systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. We’ll walk through how to distinguish it from episcleritis, highlight the hallmark symptoms of deep, boring eye pain, and discuss complications like vision loss and scleral...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales unpacks Iritis , also known as anterior uveitis—the inflammation of the iris that can cause significant eye pain and photophobia. Learn how to distinguish it from other causes of red eye, like conjunctivitis or angle-closure glaucoma, by key features such as consensual photophobia and ciliary flush. We’ll also highlight systemic associati...

In this episode of EENT101 , host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales walks you through Pterygium , the classic "surfer’s eye" that extends onto the cornea from the conjunctiva. We’ll review its risk factors—like UV light exposure, wind, and dust—and discuss how to distinguish it from a pinguecula. You’ll learn hallmark clinical features, when conservative management is appropriate, and when surgi...