Eye care Flashcards
What are the 2 types of dry eye disease? Describe them.
- Aqueous deficient (not enough tears produced)
- Evaporative (lipid film got problem)
What triage questions should be asked when a patient presents with eye discomfort?
- Severity
- How long has it been?
- Trigger
- Is vision affected? Does it clear on blinking?
- Bilateral or unilateral?
- Itch, swelling, discharge, crustiness?
- Contact lenses?
- Any mouth dryness or enlarged glands?
- Have you been diagnosed with any health conditions recently?
- Taking any medications?
What are the symptoms of a bacterial eye infection?
redness, purulent discharge, swelling of the eye, bumps in the eye, crusty eyelids that are stuck together, non-itchy, usually unilateral
What is an important question to ask in anyone presenting with a red eye?
Do you regularly wear contact lenses?
What is the danger of a contact lense wearer presenting with symptoms of a bacterial eye infection, and what should you do?
Infection of the cornea, refer to doctor
What are the symptoms of a viral eye infection?
red eye, foreign body sensation, watery discharge, itch, unilateral then bilateral, usually after contact with sick person / had a respi infection
What is the recommended treatment for a viral eye infection?
- Artificial tears for comfort
- Cool compress to reduce swelling and relief itch
Are antihistamines recommended for a viral eye infection?
No, but they may provide itch relief if necessary
What behaviour should be counselled to patients with eye infections?
Do not rub your eye; wash your hands after touching your eye, reduce exposure to other people to prevent spreading of eye condition
What is blepharoconjunctivitis?
Inflammation of the eye and eyelid
Does blepharitis have ocular involvement?
No (always ask if it affects the eye!)
What is the recommended treatment for blepharitis?
Warm compress, cleaning (eyelid wipes or gel), antiseptic / antibiotic ointment
What are the common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
Itching and redness, usually in both eyes, burning sensation, watery / mild mucoid discharge, mild swelling
What non-pharmacological strategies may be used to manage allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergen avoidance, avoid eye rubbing, use cool compress, apply refrigerated artificial tears
What is the dosing regimen for olopatadine eye drops 0.1% and 0.2% respectively?
ED2, ED1
What is important to counsel about the storage and disposal of eye drops?
Store in a cool, dry place; discard after 28 days
What treatments are recommended for allergic conjunctivitis?
- Topical antihistamines
- Ocular decongestants (but only short period)
- Mast cell stabilisers (take 4 weeks to work)
Are oral antihistamines generally not recommended for allergic conjunctivitis?
No, it will dry the eye
What is ocular hypertension?
intraocular pressure higher than 21mmHg
What is the MoA of PROSTaglandin eye drops?
increase outflow of the liquid in your eye to reduce the pressure of your eye
What are the side effects of prostaglandin eye drops?
lengthening of eyelashes, brown discolouration of iris, eye inflammation, possibly but rarely - headaches
What are the red flags to counsel patients on for glaucoma?
Pain in the eye, swelling, purulent discharge, vision loss
