EENT - MIDTERM content (plus a little extra) Flashcards
Palsy of what cranial nerve would cause decreased lacrimation, leading to dry eye?
CN VII
What kind of medications cause dry eye?
Anticholinergics, antihistamines, diuretics, b-blockers
Risk factors for dry eye
History of severe conjunctivitis
Eyelid defects such as CN V or VII palsy, incomplete blinking, exophthalmos, scar hindering lid movement
Environmental: heat (wood, coal, gas), ac, winter air, tobacco smoke
Contacts
Increasing age
Lipid abnormalities
Prolonged computer use
S&S of dry eye
Dry eyes, red eyes, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, tearing, eye pain, ocular fatigue
On slit lamp exam: decreased tear meniscus, decreased tear breakup time (normal > 10s), punctate staining of cornea with fluorescein
When assessing dry eye, why might we palpate joints and check for butterfly rash?
Autoimmune issues
Butterfly rash is sign of SLE
Tx of dry eye
Preservative free artificial tears up to q1H and ointment at bedtime (preservative toxicity occurs if used more than 4-6x/day)
Reduce environmental dryness with humidifier
Possible short course of mild topical corticosteroid, omega-3 fatty acids (controversial)
Eyelid hygiene for blepharitis
Surgical/procedural if indicated – refer
Treat underlying cause
Refer to ophthalmology if symptoms unrelieved after 2 weeks
Ropey eye discharge is seen in what condition?
Allergic conjunctivitis
Purulent eye discharge is seen in what conditions (3)?
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Blepharitis
Hordeolum
What is blepharitis?
= common inflammation of the eye lid
Is blepharitis typically unilateral or bilateral?
Bilateral
S&S of belpharitis?
Red, swollen eyelids
transient blurred vision that improves with blinking
Itching
Tearing
Gritty, FB sensation
crusting of the eyelashes
conjunctival injection (common)
Causes of anterior vs posterior blepharitis
Anterior = Seborrheic or bacterial (S. Aureus)
Posterior = Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Risk factors for blepharitis
Diabetes
Candida
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Rosacea
Patho of posterior blepharitis
inflammation of the inner eyelid at the level of the meibomian glands
hyperkeratinization of the meibomian gland duct leads to altered lipid composition of the gland secretion
favors bacterial growth, leading to an inflammatory response in the posterior eyelid
Patho of anterior blepharitis
inflammation at the bases of the eyelashes
can be due to S. aureus or coagulase-negative staphylococci
Tx of blepharitis
warm compresses, lid massages, and lid washing using commercially available eyelid scrub solution
topical or systemic antibiotics (doxycycline) as needed
if severe, ophthalmologist may prescribe a short course of topical corticosteroids, omega-3 fatty acids
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a chronic lipogranulomatous lesion affecting the upper or lower eyelid, caused by blockage of Meibomian gland duct(s) with retention and stagnation of secretion.
May occur spontaneously or follow an acute hordeolum (internal)
Does a chalazion come on suddently?
NO - Gradual – develops over days to weeks. Typically improve over months.
Is a chalazion painful or painless?
Painless
What does a chalazion look like?
Painless lid lump
Usually single; sometimes multiple
May rupture through the skin
Well-defined, 2-8mm diameter subcutaneous nodule in tarsal plate
Lid eversion may show external conjunctival granuloma
**May be associated with blepharitis
How is a hordeolum different than a chalazion?
chalazion: on inside of lid (not usually at lid margin). Nontender.
hordoleum (stye) = near lid margin (either inside or outside lid). swollen, tender, erythematous and/or purulent nodule
Hordeola = infectious etiology
Chalazion = granulomatous inflammation
Hordeolum presentation
Painful, red swelling of lid
Sudden onset purulent discharge
How do we diagnose a hordeolum?
Based on exam. Can culture discharge, but usually treated presumptively
Treatment of hordeolum
Prevent spread: good handwashing, lid hygiene, discard all eye makeup,
Warm compresses, gentle massage
Usually resolves within 2 weeks without treatment, but may require I&D
Topical antibiotics are typically ineffective. Refer to ophthalmologist if does not respond
In what population is a hordeolum most common?
children/adolescents
S&S of FB in eye?
-Sensation of FB
-Red, painful eye
-Tearing, photophobia
-Epithelial defect that stains with fluorescein
Diagnosing a FB in eye - what do we need to check? When might referral be necessary?
Clinical dx
-Fluorescein to assess for corneal abrasion due to foreign body
-If concerned about corneal abrasion or injury was high speed (i.e., grinding metal), refer to opto/ optho (requires dilated exam, slit lamp exam)
Tx of FB in eye
- “if a corneal foreign body is detected, an attempt can be made to remove by irrigation after instillation of topical anesthetic; this is particularly helpful if multiple foreign bodies, i.e., sand” (up to date)
-Can then attempt to remove with sterile swab using direct visualization
-If unable to remove, refer to optometry/ ophthalmology for removal under magnification
-Treat corneal abrasion if present: topical antibiotic (drop or ointment, cover for pseudomonas if organic material or contact lens), +/- artificial tears; most abrasions clear spontaneously within 24 hours
Why don’t we give everyone with a sore eye after an FB typical anesthetics to take home?
-Note: topical analgesics only for facilitating eye exam, NEVER for tx (risk of corneal melt or infection)
S&S of a corneal abrasion
Pain, redness, tearing, photophobia, FB sensation
De-epithelialized area stains with fluorescein dye
Pain relieved with topical anesthetic
Complications of a corneal abrasion
infection, ulceration, recurrent erosion, secondary iritis
Treatment of corneal abrasion
Topical antibiotic (drops or ointment) to prevent superinfection, abrasion from organic material should be covered against Pseudomonas
Pain relief:
Consider topical NSAIDs (caution due to risk of corneal melt with prolonged use). Can also give oral NSAIDs for mild to moderate pain.
Cycloplegic (relieves pain and photophobia by paralyzing ciliary muscle) - only in case of large abrasions (>50% of cornea) according to UptoDate
Pressure patch not recommended for small abrasions or contact wearers d/t infection risk & delayed healing (may help decrease pain in large abrasions)
How quickly does a corneal abrasion usually heal
Small abrasions will heal overnigtht. Most abrasions clear spontaneously within 24-48 h – just need to not rub it!
What STI can cause bacterial conjunctivitis?
Gonorrhea, chlamydia
S&S of bacterial conjunctivitis
Conjunctiva erythematous (unilateral or bilateral - usually starts in 1 eye and can spread to other)
Burning, gritty sensation or foreign body sensation in eyes
Thick, purulent discharge with crusting
Chemosis (swelling of conjunctiva) if severe
Visual acuity normal
Pre-auricular nodes palpable in Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and MRSA
- Complicating bacterial infections, such as otitis media, may be evident. Assess if anyone around them has similar symptoms
Describe the typical onset of viral conjunctivitis. Unilat or bilat?
Acute onset of conjunctival injection commonly preceded by a viral upper respiratory tract infection
May begin unilateral, but often bilateral within 24-48 hours.
S&S of viral conjunctivitis
Mucoid or water discharge
Red eyes
Chemosis & eyelid edema if severe
Pre-auricular lymphadenopathy
Possibly painful, or mild itching
Systemic symptoms may be present (e.g., sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, preauricular lymphadenopathy)
Recent contact with others with similar symptoms
What virus needs to be ruled out as cause of viral conjunctivitis? What is seen on evaluation for this
Herpes (herpes simplex keratitis) - can cause blindness
Dendritic keratitis on fluorescein staining with herpes simplex virus
What history do you expect to collect from someone with allergic conjunctivitis?
Seasonal, known, or environmental allergies, allergic rhinitis
Eczema, asthma, urticaria
Bilateral watery, red, itchy eyes, without purulent drainage
S&S of allergic conjunctivitis
Ropey discharge
Very itchy eyes!
Bilateral
Chemosis and lid edema (see cobble-stoning)
Grittiness or stabbing pain
Often worse in AM
Rhinorrhea or other resp symptoms from allergies
would you expect visual acuity to change in conjunctivitis?
Generally no (although one of my sources says you might have blurry vision in viral conjunctivitis)
T/F you give antivirals for viral conjunctivitis? How to treat?
No! Except herpes keratitis.
- Cold compresses
- Artificial tears
- decongestants
Patient education re: conjunctivitis
- Cool compresses to the affected eye should be applied
several times a day. - Clean eyes with warm, moist cloth from inner to outer
canthus to prevent spreading infection. - Encourage good handwashing technique with
antibacterial soap - Throw away makeup
How long are bacterial and viral conjunctivitis contagious?
Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious until 24 hours
after beginning medication.
Viral conjunctivitis is contagious for 48 to 72 hours,
but it may last up to two weeks. This is typically self-limiting
What is periorbital cellulitis? What causes it?
Infection of the anterior portion of the eyelid, not involving the orbit or other ocular structures
Usually follows periorbital trauma or dermal infection
Suspect H. influenzae in children, s.aureus in adults
Risk factors for periorbital celluliti
Sinusitis
Local trauma, insect bites, foreign bodies
Presentation in periorbital cellulitis
Unilateral ocular pain, eyelid swelling, erythema
How do you diagnose periorbital cellulitis?
Clinical diagnosis made in patient with unilateral eyelid swelling once orbital cellulitis has been ruled out
Cultures are low yield, not usually indicated
CT indicated to rule out orbital cellulitis if unclear. Also indicated with marked eyelid swelling, fever, leukocytosis, or failure of infection to improve after 1-2 days appropriate abx