ENT Flashcards
What is an orbit and what are its main 2 functions?
An orbit is bony socket containing the eye. it serves to:
- protect the eye
- provide a mounting point for the striatal muscles that control ocular movement
What is the function of basic tears?
To maintain a tear film on the corneal surface for optical, metabolic and lubricant purposes - in essence to keep it moist
What is the function of reflex tears?
To induce response to chemical or mechanical irritation e.g. cold, light etc. - so when something is in the eye, reflex tears tries to get it out
What are the functions of the tear film? (4)
- Prevention of corneal drying
- Transport oxygen and nutrients to the cornea
- Maintenance of cornea clean and smooths out the surface
- Protection against infection
What is the pH of normal tears?
pH 7.4
N.B. It’s more alkaline in the case of diseases such as dry eyes and more acidic on contact-lens wearers
What are the 3 functions of the cornea?
- Passage of light
- Refraction of light
- Protection
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, called the uvea or uveal tract.
What are the symptoms of Uveitis (6)
- Aching, painful, red eye
- Small pupil, irregular outline
- Blurred vision
- Eye looks cloudy
- Headaches
- Light sensitivity
What are the causes of uveitis? (2)
- inflammation of the uvea (inside of the eye) and/or iris
- associated with trauma or autoimmune response
n.b. affects mainly children and young adults
What are the available treatments for Uveitis? (3)
- Corticosteroids eye drops e.g. Dexamethasone
- Corticosteroid injections
- Mydriatic eye drops e.g. atropine sulfate
What is blepharitis?
A chronic inflammation of the eyelids
What are the symptoms of blepharitis? (6)
- Itchy, sore red eyelids
- Eyelids stick together, problems opening and waking
- Crusty eyelashes
- Burning, gritty sensation in the eyes
- Photophobia
- Abnormal eyelash growth/ eyelash loss
What are the possible causes of blepharitis? (5)
- Staphylococcal infection
- Infestation of lice or demodex mites
- Allergic reactions e.g. mascara
- Fungal infection
- Viral infection
What is the typical therapy for someone with blepharitis?
- Daily eyelid-cleaning routine can control the symptoms
2. More severe cases may require antibiotics
What is the treatment for someone with blepharitis?
- Daily eyelid-cleaning routine can control the symptoms
2. More severe cases may require antibiotics
What is a stye?
A small. painful lump on the inside or outside of the eyelid
What are the possible causes of styes? (5)
- Acute staphylococcal infection of the sebaceous glands
- In-growing eyelash
- Can be associated with blepharitis
- Recurrent in diabetics
- Positive correlation with stress
What are the symptoms of style? (4)
- Swollen/lumpy eyelids
- Redness
- Swelling and tenderness that last several days
- Often a ‘white-head’ in centre of swelling
What is the typical therapy for people with style?
- Topical antibiotics
N.B. Most styes get better without treatment within a few days or weeks
Name the types of conjunctivitis
- bacterial
- allergic
- chlamydial
Name the symptoms associated with conjunctivitis (7)
- Bilateral/ unilateral
- Sudden onset (Seasonal)
- Reddening of the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Soreness
What is the typical treatment for conjunctivitis? (2)
- Allergic conjunctivitis: azelastine hydrochloride eye drops
- Infective conjunctivitis: chloramphenicol or fusidic acid
N.B. Conjunctivitis often doesn’t require treatment as the symptoms usually clear up within a couple of weeks
What is keratitis?
An inflammation of the cornea
What are the symptoms of Keratitis? (5)
- Eyelid oedema
- Conjunctivital inflammation
- Discharge
- Corneal ulceration
- ‘Pink eye’
What are the possible causes of keratitis? (4)
- Bacterial (contact lenses, trauma)
- Viral (herpes simplex)
- Fungal
- Parasitic pools, hot tubs, contact lens solution
N.B. This is the most common cause of blindness
What are the possible treatments of keratitis?
Depending on the severity of the infection, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed with an antibiotic ointment or eye drops
What is ectropion?
It’s a condition in which the eyelids turns outward