Acute Red Eye Flashcards
What commonly precedes a case of viral conjunctivitis?
Viral URTI
Will viral conjunctivitis impair vision?
No, this is a red flag sign.
If seen, refer urgently to ophthalmology.
How does an ocular surface problem present?
Foreign body/gritty sensation
What are common causes of foreign body/gritty sensation?
Dry eyes
Blepharitis
Conjunctivitis
What form of conjunctivitis is associated with a mucopurulent discharge?
Bilateral conjunctivitis
What is a common finding in both allergic and viral conjunctivitis?
Orbital swelling
Does itch present in viral conjunctivitis?
No, it is only seen in allergic conjunctivitis?
Lymphadenopathy in which organ is pathognomonic of viral conjunctivitis?
Pre-auricular
Which antibiotic is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis?
Topical chloramphenicol
When is fusidic acid used?
To treat staphylococcus infection.
Often applicable in blepharitis.
What is blepharitis?
When the edges of the eyelids become red and swollen.
How should viral conjunctivitis be managed?
Lubrication (e.g. carbomer gel)
Steroids - if significant inflammation is present.
What lifestyle advice should be given to patients with an infective conjunctivitis?
Avoid sharing towels
Maintain good hand hygiene
Avoid contact lenses
What is a hypopyon?
The presence of white cells in the anterior chamber of the eye.
It is indicative of inflammation within the eye.
What is limbal injection?
Redness around the corneal border.
May indicate keratitis, or inflammation within the eye.
Which conditions are linked to the incidence of anterior uveitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis
IBD
Syphilis
How is anterior uveitis treated?
Mydriatics (to dilate pupil) and steroid therapy.
Analgesia given to ease pain.
How is pan-uveitis treated?
Oral steroids - topical drops will not be able to reach the required depth within the orbit to treat inflammation.
Which conditions may cause uveitis?
Herpes
Immunosuppression
Cytomegalovirus
Syphilis
Idiopathic
Systemic disease
What systemic disease may present with uveitis?
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
IBD
Vasculitides
What is arceye?
Sunburn of the ocular surface.
Often seen in welders - will be bilateral.
Can dendritic ulcers be managed in primary care?
No, they must be referred to ophthlamology.
Do dendritic ulcers cause pain?
No, as nerve is damaged by the ulcer.
How can IOP be examined in clinical practice?
Ask patient to close eye and look down.
Palpation of the eye should be squishy - if stone-like, then raised IOP.
How does keratitis present?
Significant foreign body sensation.
It is an ophthalmic emergency.
