External Eye Conditions Flashcards
What causes a Meibomian cyst?
Blockage of the meibomian gland (found on edge of tarsal plate)
Is a Meibomian cyst painful?
No
Is a Meibomian cyst an infection?
No
What type of infection causes a stye?
Staphylococcal
Is a stye painful?
Yes, painful and red due to inflammation
How do you treat a stye?
Warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day
What is blepharitis?
Inflammation of eyelid margins
What can cause blepharitis?
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Staphylococcal infection
More common in those with rosacea
What features are associated with blepharitis?
Bilateral symptoms Grittiness and discomfort particularly around eyelid margins Eyes may be sticky in morning Eyelid margins may be red Swollen eyelids may be seen in staphylococcal blepharitis Styes and chalazion more common Scales on lashes Secondary conjunctivitis may occur
How is blepharitis managed?
Good eyelid hygiene is mainstay
Hot compress to soften lid margin
Cotton bud and baby shampoo diluted 1:10 with warm water
Artificial tears
What is an ectropian?
Out turning of eyelid
Why can Meibomian gland dysfunction cause blepharitis?
Meibomian glands secrete oil onto the surface to prevent rapid evaporation of the tear film. Any problem affecting the Meibomian gland can cause drying of eye and hence irritation
In children with blepharitis, what treatment should be considered?
Oral erythromycin
What can an ectropion cause?
Eye irritation
Watering - punctum malaligned
Exposure keratitis
What are ectropions associated with?
Old age
Facial palsy
In the case of an ectropion, what can correct the deformity?
Plastic surgery
If facial palsy the cause- can have an implant in upper lid to aid closure
What is an entropion?
Lid inturning
Typically due to degeneration of lower (rarely upper) lid
The inturning eyelashes irritate the cornea
What treatment can be done for an entropion?
Taping the lower eyelids to the cheek or botulinum toxin injection to lower lid gives temporary relief
More lasting relief - surgery
What is lagophthalmos?
Difficulty in lid closure
What can cause lagopthalmos?
Exophthalmos
Mechanical impairment of lid movement - injury, burns
Paralysed obicularis oculi
What can occur as a result of lagophthalmos?
Corneal ulcers
Keratitis
In cases of lagophthalmos, what can be used to lubricate the eye?
Liquid paraffin
What is xanthelasama?
Lipid deposits seen in hyperlipidaemia
What is pinguecula?
Degenerative vascular yellow-grey nodules on the conjunctiva either side of the cornea
Pinguecula typically occur in..
Adult males
If pinguecula invade to cornea, what word is used to describe it?
Pterygium - new vessels can be seen crossing over the boundary between sclera and cornea
