Eye Conditions Flashcards
What are the two main etiologies of dry eye disease? What do they further branch out to?
- aqueous deficient (not enough tears produced) -> SJS & non-SJS
- evaporative -> intrinsic, extrinsic
What are the four main types of ingredients in eye drops for dry eye?
- hydrogels
- hyaluronic acid
- glycerin
- oil containing eye ointment
How do hydrogels work?
- polymers swell up in water & retain moisture
- mucous adhesive (tears stay longer on the eye)
How does hyaluronic acid work?
- increase tear film stability by increasing tear film viscosity & thickness
- retain water on ocular surface & improve lubrication
How does glycerin work?
- lubricant
- anti-inflammatory properties: soothe puffiness & decrease discomfort around eye
How does oil containing eye ointments work?
- create a film over the eye -> prevent evaporation
What are the 5 types of hydrogels?
- carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC)
- hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose (HPMC; hypromellose)
- polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
- carbomer
What antihistamines are used in eye drops?
- pheniramine
- olopatadine
- ketotifen
What decongestant is used in eye drops?
- naphazoline
- phenylephrine
- tetrahydrozoline HCl
What can be used for allergic conjunctivitis?
- antihistamine
- decongestant
- mast cell stabiliser (sodium cromoglicate)
Possible supplements for dry eye and general eye health?
dry eye:
- EPA from omega 3 & arachidonic acid from omega 6 fatty acids
- vitamin A
general eye health
- lutein
- zeaxanthin
What kind of preparation requires preservatives and why?
multi-dose artificial tears, to prevent microbial growth
When should preservative-free eye products be considered?
- pt has documented allergy to preservative
- pt uses more than 4-6 eye drops containing preservatives a day & the next line lubricating choices are not available
- pt recovering from eye surgery
Which preservative causes irritation to eye?
paraben
Can BAK preservative be used with contact lens?
no
