Eyes, Ears and Oral Health Flashcards
Minor Ailment
“A condition requiring little or no medical intervention and thus can be treated using non prescription medication bought OTC.”
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin protective membrane that covers the white of the eye and inside surface of the eyelids. It is characterised by varying degrees of ocular redness, irritation, itching and discharge. Can be infective or allergic in origin
Infective Conjunctivitis
Infective conjunctivitis may be bacterial, viral or parasitic. Seems to affect sexes equally and may present in any age of patient, although bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children and viral conjunctivitis more common in adults
The most common bacterial causes of conjunctivitis are streptococcus pneumoniae, staphylococcus aureus and haemophilus influenzae.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually self and resolve within 5-7 days without treatment
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is self limiting and do not require antimicrobial treatment. Usually resolves in 1-2 weeks
Chlamydial Conjunctivitis
Chlamydial conjunctivitis is the least common type of conjunctivitis encountered and is more common in yoinger adults than older people
Usually accompanied by a systemic infection
Urgent referral
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms
- Both, but one eye affected a day or so before the other
- Purulent discharge
- Gritty feeling
Generalised and diffuse distribution
Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms
- Both
- Watery discharge
- Gritty feeling
- Generalised distribution
Cough and cold symptoms
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms
- Both
- Watery discharge
- Itching
- Generalised but greatest in fornices
Rhinitis
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Referral
- Eye or head injury
- Painful eye movements, severe pain within the eye or photophobia
- Vision is affected
- Eye surgery or laser treatment in the past 6 months
- Symptoms get worse despite using chloramphenicol
- Pupil looks unusual e.g. torn, irregular, dilated or sluggish/ non reactive to light
- Eye looks cloudy
Contact lens weare and has worn re usable lenses in the shower or the eye with contact lens in may have come into contact with tapwater
Chloramphenicol OTC restrictions
being under 2 years old, pregnancy and breast feeding
Conjunctivitis Practical Advice
- Bathe the eyelids with tepid water to remove any discharge
- When cleaning the eye, wipe from the bridge of the nose to the outer corner of the eye with a fresh piece of cotton wool
- As eye infections are easily passed to others, avoid sharing towels/face cloths etc.
- Use of OTC lubricant eye drops can reduce discomfort
- Remove contact lenses until all symptoms and signs of infection have completely resolved and any treatment has been completed for 24 hrs.
Wash hands regularly
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Treatment
Chloramphenicol drops:
Every 2 hrs for first 48hrs and 4 hrly thereafter if symptoms improve
If no improvement is seen after 2 days referral is appropriate
Ointment:
3-4 times daily
Store in fridge and use for 5 days even if symptoms clear
Allergic Conjunctivitis advice
- Remove contact lenses until symptoms resolve
- Avoid rubbing their eyes
- Avoid exposure to the allergen
Place cool compress on the eyes
Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment
- Topical antihistamines
mast cell stabilisers- sodium cromoglicate 1-2 drops qds
Chronic Dry Eye Symptoms
dryness, grittiness or soreness in both eyes that worsen throughout the day and watering of the eyes particularly when exposed to wind
Dry Eye Red Flag Symptoms
- Associated dryness of the mouth and other mucous membranes
Outward turning of the lower eyelid (ectropion)
Dry Eye Practical Advice
- Eyelid hygiene to control the blepharitis that most people with dry eye disease have
- Limiting the use of contact lenses if these cause irritation
- Stopping medication that exacerbates dry eyes- under the guidance of a prescriber
- Using a humidifier to moisten the air
- Stopping smoking
If using a monitor, ensure it is below eye level
Dry Eye eyelid hygiene
- Apply warm compresses to the closed eyelids for 5-10 mins
- For posterior blepharitis, massage the eyelid to express meibomian glands
- Clean the eyelid- wet a cotton bud with cleanser and rub along lid margins
Avoid eye makeup
Dry eye treatment
- Low viscosity drops are usually recommended for daytime use due to the reduced risk of adverse effects such as blurred vision, eyelid debris, and eye stinging
- Hypromellose
- Carbomers
- Sodium hyaluronate
Preservative free preparations for chronic use