Eye Infections Flashcards
What is the antibiotic treatment for purulent conjunctivitis?
Chloramphenicol eye drops
- Apply 1 drop every 2 hours then reduce frequency as infection is controlled and continue for 48 hours after healing, frequency dependent on the severity of the infection
How long after purulent conjunctivitis has healed should you continue using chloramphenicol eye drops?
48 hours
Chloramphenicol eye drops
- Apply 1 drop every 2 hours then reduce frequency as infection is controlled and continue for 48 hours after healing, frequency dependent on the severity of the infection
What are the side effects of using chloramphenicol topically on the eye? (6)
- Angioedema
- Bone marrow disorders
- Eye stinging
- Fever
- Paraesthesia
- Skin reactions
Why should you avoid using chloramphenicol (IV, oral, and topical) during pregnancy?
Risk of ‘neonatal grey-baby syndrome’
Risk is associated with IV and oral chlorampenicol but topical use should still be avoided unless essential
Why should you avoid using chloramphenicol (IV, oral, and topical) when breastfeeding?
Bone-marrow toxicity in infant
Concentration of milk usually insufficient to cause ‘grey syndrome’
Risk is associated with IV and oral chlorampenicol but topical use should still be avoided unless essential
Blepharitis is most commonly caused by which bacteria?
Staphylococci
What are the 3 most common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis?
- Steptococcus pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Haemophilus influenzae
Which parasite can cause keratitis?
Acanthamoeba
If anterior bacterial blepharitis cannot be controlled by eyelid hygiene alone, which antibiotic can be used for treatment?
Chloramphenicol eye ointment
- to the conjunctival sac or rubbed into the lid margins
What is the prognosis of most cases of acute bacterial conjunctivitis?
Self-limiting
Resolve within 5-7 days without treatment
What should you consider if bacterial conjunctivitis does not resolve with antibacterial eye drops or ointments? (2)
- Viral conjunctivitis
2. Need for a different antibacterial drug
Can corneal ulcers be treated in primary care?
NO
- requires specialist treatment and may call for hospital admission for intensive therapy
Can keratitis be treated in primary care?
NO
- requires specialist treatment and may call for hospital admission for intensive therapy
What is involved in the management of endophthalmitis? (3)
- Antibacterial drugs
- Steroids
- Surgery (such as vitrectomy) sometimes indicated
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Which bacteria causes trachoma?
Chlamydia trachomatis (chronic infection)
Treated with azithromycin (oral) [unlicensed indication]
