Acute Red Eye Flashcards
What is the most common cause of red eye?
conjunctivits
In who is conjuctivitis more serious?
contact lens wearers
Should you give antibiotics to patients with conjunctivitis?
No - unless chlamydia
Is a Subconjunctival haemorrhage very serious?
No - benign
Is orbital cellulitis a serious cause of red eye?
yes
What is anterior blepharitis?
inflamed eyelids where lid margin redder than deeper part of lid
What is posterior blepharitis?
inflamed eyelids where redness is in deeper part of lid
lid margin often quite normal looking
What causes posterior blepharitis?
Meibomian gland dysfunction
M.G.D.
What causes anterior blepharitis?
Seborrhoeic (squamous) scales on the lashes
Staphylococcal – infection involving the lash follicle
What are signs of seborrhoeic blepharitis?
Lid margin red
Scales ++
Dandruff+
(No ulceration, lashes unaffected)
What are signs of staphylococcal blepharitis?
lid margin red
Lashes distorted, loss of lashes, ingrowing lashes - trichiasis
Styes, ulcers of lid margin
corneal staining, marginal ulcers (due to exotoxin)
What is MGD associated with?
Acne Rosacea
What are the signs of posterior blepharitis (MGD)?
Lid margin skin and lashes unaffected
M.G. openings pouting & swollen
Inspissated (dried) secretion at gland openings
Meibomian Cysts (chalazia)
Describe the treatment for blepharitis.
Lid hygiene – daily bathing / warm compresses
Supplementary tear drops
Oral doxycycline for 2-3 months
Very difficult to eradicate
List the main symptoms of conjunctivitis.
red eye
foreign body sensation – gritty eye
discharge – sticky eye
Itch = allergy
Is vision affected in conjunctivitis?
no
What is the pattern of red eye like in conjunctivitis?
diffuses more towards the fornices
Which organisms most commonly cause bacterial conjunctivitis?
Staph. aureus, Str. pneumoniae, H. infuenzae