Abnormalities of the Conjunctiva & Sclera Flashcards
A pt comes in with watery, red eyes. The pt tells you that 5 days ago she noticed redness and discomfort in her left eye, and that yesterday morning she noticed it had spread to her right eye. What is the most likely cause of this pt’s condition?
Adenovirus
pt has viral conjunctivitis
What treatment options do you recommend for a pt with redness, soreness, discomfort, and watery discharge from both eyes? The pt also has lid erythema and edema.
Pt has viral conjunctivitis, which is self-limiting. Recommend a cold-compress and educate the pt about the contagious nature of the disease
A pt comes in with red, irritated lids. On inspection you notice the lids appear stuck closed and there is some pus in the lid margin. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Bacterial conjunctivitis
What are the causes of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Bacterial - staph, strep, haemophilus, n. gonorrhoeae, n. meningitides
You suspect your pt has bacterial conjunctivitis, what do you recommend for treatment?
Broad spectrum Abx
Ciloxan
A pt presents with intense itching in both eyes. His eyes are slightly blood shot and you notice a stringy mucoid discharge. What is the most likely diagnosis for this pt?
Allergic conjunctivitis
What is the cause of allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergies (usually seasonal)
What do you recommend for a pt with allergic conjunctivitis?
Systemic antihistamines
Topical vasoconstrictor/antihistamine
Avoid allergen if possible
A pt comes in complaining of FB sensation, irritation, and a dry eye that gets worse throughout the day. You notice mild redness in both eyes. What are the most likely causes of this pt’s condition? What are the risk factors for this condition?
The pt has keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Elderly pt - idiopathic
Younger pt - contact lenses
Risk factors - collagen disease (RA, lupus), anticholinergic meds, sarcoidosis
What test would you perform if you suspect keratoconjunctivitis sicca?
Schirmer test (tear test)
What is the best treatment option for a pt with keratoconjunctivitis sicca?
Artificial tears
Restasis (prescription eye drops)
A pt comes in worried about a light yellow bump on the nasal side of her conjunctiva. What condition is this most likely to be?
Pinguecula
What are the risk factors for pingueculas?
Chronic exposure to dry, windy conditions
A welder comes in with a light brown mass on the white of his eye, and he asks you what he should do about it. What do you tell him?
He has a pingulecula. It’s an asymptomatic mass that doesn’t require any treatment.
A pt comes in with several large, bloodshot vessels in his right eye that he just noticed this morning. He says his vision is unaffected and he has only noticed a dull ache. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Episcleritis
