Cornea Flashcards
6 layers of the cornea
- epithelium - continuously regenerates
- basement membrane
- bowman’s layer
- stroma
- descements membrane
- endothelium
Do corneal endothelial cells regenerate
No
What is a corneal abrasion
- trauma that has taken off the corneal epithelium
- superficial
What is bacterial keratitis
- bacterial infection of the cornea
- usually develops when ocular defences have been compromised
Risk factors of bacterial keratitis
- CL (esp extended wear)
- trauma
- ocular surface disease such as herpetic keratitis
Symptoms of bacterial keratitis
- reduced VA
- pain
- photophobia
- possible discharge
Signs of bacterial keratitis
- epithelial defect with infiltrate
- circumcorneal injection
- stromal oedema
- folds in descements membrane
- possible anterior uveitis with hypopyon and posterior synechiae
- chemosis
- eyelid swelling
- ulceration
- reduced corneal sensation
Differential diagnosis of bacterial keratitis
- keratitis due to other microorganisms
- marginal keratitis
- sterile inflammatory infiltrates associated with CL wear
Treatment for bacterial keratitis
- discontinuation of CL wear
- treatment not always needed
- antibiotic mono therapy (usually fluoroquinolone)
- subconjunctival antibiotics (only indicated if poor compliance with topical treatment)
- mydratics - to prevent formation of posterior synechiae
- steroids
- systemic antibiotics in some cases
What is fungal keratitis
- fungal infection of the cornea
- causes severe inflammatory response
- corneal perforation common
2 types of fungi that cause keratitis
- yeast
- filamentous fungi
Risk factors of fungal keratitis
- long term use of topical steroids
- CL wear
- systemic immunosuppression
- diabetes
Filamentous (fungal) keratitis clinical presentation
- grey/yellow stromal infiltrate
- lid oedema
- progressive infiltration
- branch like extensions
- rapid progression
- necrosis and thinning
Fungal keratitis treatment
- cease CL wear
- removal of epithelium over lesion - easier penetration of anti fugal agents
- topical anti fungals (natamycin 5%)
- systemic anti fungal
- cycloplegia
- tetracycline
Types of viral keratitis
Herpes simplex virus
- epithelial keratitis
- stromal keratitis
- uveitis
- lids to retina
Herpes zoster opthalmicus
Herpes simplex keratitis - symptoms
- FB sensation
- photophobia
- redness
- blurred vision
Herpes simplex keratitis - signs
Epithelial ulcer
- dendritic pattern
- terminal bulbs
- swollen adjacent epithelium
Reduced corneal sensation
- focal or diffuse
Conjunctival injection
Underlying stromal oedema
Risk factors of HSK
- poor general health
- immunosuppression
- sunlight (uv)
- history of previous attacks