Approach to Red Eye Flashcards
What does initial stabilisation involve?
Is there a life-threatening problem concurrent to red eye?
Does the red eye suggest a broader life/function threatening problem?
What does a red eye history involve?
HOPC Important distinction - Unilateral - Bilateral PHx Past ocular Hx SHx Rx Allergies
What does a red eye clinical examination involve?
General inspection Visual acuity - +/- further visual exams if vision problem suspected Pupil reactions Intra-ocular pressure
From superficial to deep structures, what is observed in a slit lamp examination?
Lids Tear film Conjunctiva Episclera and sclera Cornea Anterior chamber Iris Pupil Lens Fundus
What is the clinical presentation of ectropion?
“My eye is red and waters a lot”
Eversion of eyelid
What can cause ectropion?
Facial nerve palsy
What is the management of ectropion?
Ocular lubricants
Consider surgical repair if lid position doesn’t improve over next 3 months
What is the clinical presentation of entropion?
“My eye is red and feels very irritated”
Inversion of lower eyelid
What is the management of entropion?
Surgical repair to prevent lashes rubbing on ocular surface
What is the clinical presentation of blepharitis?
“My eye has been red and itchy for a few weeks”
Crust formation around lashes
Associated inflammation
What is the management of blepharitis?
Daily routine of lid margin hygiene - Warm face washer applied over eyelids > opens clogged meibomian glands - Mechanical removal of lid debris - Avoid makeup Topic antibiotics in refractory cases
What is the clinical presentation of chalazion?
“Is it a stye?”
Swelling above eyelash margin
What is the management of chalazion?
Often self-resolving
If refractory > incision and curette
What is the clinical presentation of periorbital cellulitis?
“My eye has been painful, red, and swollen over the past 2-3 days”
Visual acuity intact
PEARL
Normal intraocular pressure
Red, hot oedematous, tender skin over eyelid
Clear conjunctiva
What are the common infectious agents causing periorbital cellulitis?
Staph aureus Strep pyogenes Come from - Skin - Sinuses - Meibomian glands
What is the treatment for periorbital cellulitis?
Oral antibiotics
Greater risk of progression to orbital cellulitis in children > more aggressive treatment
What is the clinical presentation of orbital cellulitis?
Onset over few days Painful red eye +/- diplopia and visual impairment Fever Nausea Malaise Tachycardia Sluggish pupil of affected eye Raised intraocular pressure Red, hot, oedematous, tender skin over eyelids Conjunctival chemosis Proptosis possible - difficult to assess due to lid swelling Potentially life and site threatening
What are the common infectious agents causing orbital cellulitis?
S aureus S pyogenes Haemophilus influenzae Most often spread from sinuses Can arise from - Tear ducts - Trauma to orbit - Periorbital cellulitis
What is the treatment for orbital cellulitis?
CT orbits/brain > confirm diagnosis Swab purulent discharge IV antibiotics ENT review May need surgical drainage if abscess formed
What is the clinical presentation of dry eyes?
“My eyes are often red and sore”
“Sometimes they become very watery”
Fluorescent staining viewed under Cobalt-blue light filter
- Punctuate epithelial erosions in lower third of cornea
Why do the eyes water in dry eyes?
Reflex tears produced in response to ocular surface irritation
What is Sjogren’s syndrome?
Reduced aqueous tear production
Systemic autoAbs present
- Rheumatoid factor
- Anti-nuclear Abs
What tests are ordered from a conjunctival swab for conjunctivitis?
MCS = microscopy, culture, and sensitivities Adenovirus PCR HSV PCR VZV PCR RSV PCR
What is the incidence of bilateral conjunctivitis in bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis?
Bacterial = 1/2-3/4 Viral = 1/3 Allergic = most
What is the discharge in bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis?
Bacterial = mucopurulent in younger children Viral = mild/watery/"sleepers" Allergic = rare
What is the incidence of redness in bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis?
Bacterial = common in older children, uncommon in infants and toddlers Viral = usually Allergic = usually
What is the incidence of acute otitis media in bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis?
Bacterial = 1/3 Viral = 10% Allergic = no
Are eyes itchy in bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis?
Bacterial = no Viral = no Allergic = yes
What is the clinical presentation pterygium?
“My eye has been red for years, especially after I have been out in the sun. I think it’s getting worse”
Triangular membrane on ocular surface from medial canthal region
What are the reasons for the surgical removal of a pterygium?
Threat to vision by - Growth over visual axis - Distorting cornea > astigmatism Symptom relief Cosmetic reasons
What is the clinical presentation of sub-conjunctival haemorrhage?
“I was injured in an accident”
“I’ve had a cough recently, and been on antibiotics. I also take warfarin”
Common
What is the treatment of sub-conjunctival haemorrhage?
Self-resolving
Is sub-conjunctival haemorrhage serious?
Usually, no
May suggest serious pathology in some cases
- Base of skull fracture
- Supra-therapeutic warfarin dosage
What is the general clinical presentation of carotid-cavernous fistula, and what are the types?
Unilateral red eye with chemosis
Types
- Low flow
- High flow
Where is the fistula in low flow carotid-cavernous fistula?
Meningeal branches of carotid arteries > canvernous sinus