Eyes Flashcards
what are the main parts of the eye (7)
- Sclera
- Optic nerve
- Retina
- Viterous humor
- Cornea
- Pupil
- Iris
What is infective conjunctivitis (3)
- An infection causing inflammation of the conjunctiva
- makes the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids red.
- It is usually caused by bacteria, but can be caused by a viral infection.
What are the symptoms of infective conjunctivitis (3)
- The eye is often ‘sticky’, especially in the morning
- as pus collects around the eye, and people will complain that their eye feels gritty.
- Conjunctivitis frequently starts in one eye, but can spread to the other one too.
How is infective conjunctivitis treated (2)
- A cotton wool pad soaked in boiled and cooled water can be used to remove the stickiness around the eye.
- If both eyes are affected, a separate piece of cotton wool needs to be used for each eye to prevent the spread of infection.
What causes styes
bacterial infection
What is an external stye (2)
- appears at the base of the eyelash
- An infection in the eyelash hair follicle.
What is an internal stye (2)
- appears in the eyelid
- usually caused by an infection in a meibomian gland from your eyelid.
How are styes treated (3)
- The swelling can spread to the area around the stye itself and be very painful.
- Normally the stye comes to a head and bursts, or shrinks and gets better within one or two weeks without treatment.
- A cloth or flannel warmed with hot water held against the affected eye for 5-10 minutes and repeated 3 or 4 times a day can help the stye to release pus and heal quicker.
What is blepharitis (6)
- inflammation of the eyelid(s) and causes redness and irritation
- in many cases both eyelids will be affected.
- It can be caused by a bacterial infection
- known to occur in people who suffer with flaky skin conditions, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff.
- It can also be caused by an allergic reaction.
- Someone who has blepharitis is likely to suffer from repeated episodes as it is a long-term condition that recurs.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis (4)
- burning
- soreness or stinging in the eyes
- crusty eyelashes
- itchy eyelids.
How is blepharitis treated
The symptoms can be reduced and prevented by establishing a regular routine of eye hygiene.
What is allergic conjunctivitis (4)
- most common in people allergic to pollen.
- both eyes are affected in allergic conjunctivitis and there is no stickiness.
- Symptoms include red, itchy and watery eyes.
- It can also be caused by some animal fur, cosmetics, chemicals, soaps and face powders.
What is subconjunctival haemorrhage (4)
- A subconjunctival haemorrage (which means ‘bleed under the conjunctiva’)
- causes a red, painless area on the eye due to a burst blood vessel.
- This can look quite alarming. However, it is usually harmless
- should clear within two weeks or so without any treatment.
What is dry eyes syndrome (4)
- when there is a problem with the eyes ability to stay lubricated.
- The reason for this could be linked to a problem with the tear film.
- Dry eyes can be treated with artificial tears which can be bought over the counter.
- However, anyone complaining of dry eyes for the first time should be referred to the pharmacist because it could be a symptom of a serious condition.
What is watery eyes (4)
- This can develop as part of allergic conjunctivitis or if something gets into the eye, which can cause a gritty feeling.
- If that happens then the eye will produce tears, which is a defence mechanism to get the foreign object out of the eye.
- However, some people get watery eyes because they have a problem with the mechanism which removes excess tears.
- You should refer people with persistent watery eyes without any apparent cause to the pharmacist.
What is a chalazion (4)
- a small lump or cyst that develops in the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland.
- The chalazion varies in size over a few weeks and can discharge or disappear after hot compresses and lid cleaning.
- It is common for a small portion of the chalazion to remain for weeks or months in the lid as a non-tender lump.
- This can be left to get better by itself.
Who with eye conditions should be referred to the pharmacist (10)
- children
- pregnant/breastfeeding women
- medicated patients
- Have something in their eye
- Have pain in the eye itself
- Have blurred or double vision
- Are affected by recurring or existing eye conditions
- Have an eye problem that has not improved within a few days
- Wear contact lenses and are suffering from eye problems
- Are seeing flashing lights