GPT Flashcards
Viral Conjunctivitis
Definition:
Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by viral infection.
Etiology:
Commonly caused by adenoviruses.
Epidemiology:
Highly contagious, often spreads in crowded settings.
Pathophysiology:
Viral replication leads to inflammatory response.
Signs and Symptoms:
Redness, watery discharge, photophobia, tearing.
History:
Recent viral illness, exposure to infected individuals.
Evaluation:
Clinical examination, history of exposure.
Treatment and Medication:
Supportive care; antihistamines for itching.
Differential Diagnosis:
Bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis.
Patient Education:
Hand hygiene, avoid sharing personal items.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Definition: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to bacterial infection.
Etiology: Commonly caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or Haemophilus.
Epidemiology: More common in children; often presents in outbreaks.
Pathophysiology: Bacteria invade conjunctival tissues, leading to inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms: Redness, purulent discharge, crusting.
History: Recent upper respiratory infection, contact with infected individuals.
Evaluation: Clinical examination; culture if severe or atypical.
Treatment and Medication: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Differential Diagnosis: Viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis.
Patient Education: Importance of completing antibiotic course, hygiene practices.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Definition: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergic reaction.
Etiology: Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
Epidemiology: Common in individuals with other allergic conditions.
Pathophysiology: Immune response leads to release of histamine and inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms: Itchy, red eyes, watery discharge, swelling.
History: Seasonal patterns, history of allergies.
Evaluation: Clinical examination; allergy testing if necessary.
Treatment and Medication: Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, corticosteroids.
Differential Diagnosis: Viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis.
Patient Education: Avoiding known allergens, using cold compresses.
Cataract
Definition: Clouding of the eye’s lens leading to decreased vision.
Etiology: Aging, UV exposure, diabetes, smoking, certain medications.
Epidemiology: Common in older adults; significant cause of blindness worldwide.
Pathophysiology: Protein aggregation in the lens leads to opacity.
Signs and Symptoms: Blurry vision, glare, difficulty seeing at night.
History: Family history, previous eye trauma or surgery.
Evaluation: Visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination.
Treatment and Medication: Surgical removal of the cataract; lens replacement.
Differential Diagnosis: Glaucoma, retinal diseases.
Patient Education: Monitoring vision changes, discussing surgery risks and benefits.
Corneal Ulcer
Definition: Open sore on the cornea, often due to infection.
Etiology: Bacterial, viral, fungal infections; contact lens misuse.
Epidemiology: More common in contact lens wearers and immunocompromised individuals.
Pathophysiology: Infection or trauma leads to tissue necrosis.
Signs and Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, discharge, photophobia, decreased vision.
History: Contact lens usage, previous eye trauma.
Evaluation: Slit-lamp examination; corneal scraping for culture.
Treatment and Medication: Antibiotic or antifungal drops; topical anesthetics for pain.
Differential Diagnosis: Keratitis, conjunctivitis.
Patient Education: Proper contact lens hygiene, importance of follow-up.
Keratitis
Definition: Inflammation of the cornea.
Etiology: Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), UV exposure, dry eyes.
Epidemiology: Can occur in anyone; higher risk in contact lens users.
Pathophysiology: Inflammatory response leads to corneal edema and opacification.
Signs and Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision.
History: Contact lens use, prior eye surgery.
Evaluation: Slit-lamp examination; cultures if infectious.
Treatment and Medication: Antibiotic or antiviral drops; lubricating drops.
Differential Diagnosis: Corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis.
Patient Education: Avoiding contact lens wear during symptoms, hygiene practices.
Pterygium
Definition: Growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea.
Etiology: UV exposure, dry climates, irritation.
Epidemiology: More common in individuals living in sunny regions.
Pathophysiology: Degenerative changes lead to abnormal growth.
Signs and Symptoms: Visible growth on the eye, irritation, redness.
History: History of prolonged sun exposure.
Evaluation: Clinical examination.
Treatment and Medication: Observation for mild cases; surgical removal for severe cases.
Differential Diagnosis: Pinguecula, conjunctival cysts.
Patient Education: UV protection, regular monitoring.
Iritis
Definition: Inflammation of the iris.
Etiology: Autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma, systemic diseases.
Epidemiology: Affects all age groups; associated with certain systemic conditions.
Pathophysiology: Immune response leads to inflammation and pain.
Signs and Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, photophobia, decreased vision.
History: History of autoimmune disease or trauma.
Evaluation: Slit-lamp examination; measurement of intraocular pressure.
Treatment and Medication: Corticosteroid eye drops, pupil-dilating drops.
Differential Diagnosis: Uveitis, glaucoma.
Patient Education: Importance of follow-up, potential systemic associations.
Dacryoadenitis
Definition: Inflammation of the lacrimal gland.
Etiology: Viral infections (e.g., mumps), bacterial infections, autoimmune conditions.
Epidemiology: Can affect individuals of any age; common in children.
Pathophysiology: Infection or inflammation leads to gland swelling.
Signs and Symptoms: Pain, swelling in the outer upper eyelid, tearing.
History: Recent infections, systemic disease history.
Evaluation: Clinical examination; imaging if chronic or atypical.
Treatment and Medication: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, NSAIDs for pain.
Differential Diagnosis: Tumors, orbital cellulitis.
Patient Education: Monitoring symptoms, recognizing complications.
Scleritis
Definition: Inflammation of the sclera.
Etiology: Autoimmune conditions, infections, systemic diseases.
Epidemiology: More common in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Pathophysiology: Inflammatory infiltrate leads to scleral edema.
Signs and Symptoms: Severe eye pain, redness, visual disturbance.
History: History of autoimmune diseases.
Evaluation: Clinical examination; imaging if necessary.
Treatment and Medication: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy.
Differential Diagnosis: Episcleritis, uveitis.
Patient Education: Recognizing symptoms, importance of managing underlying conditions.
Uveitis
Definition: Inflammation of the uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, choroid).
Etiology: Autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma, systemic diseases.
Epidemiology: Can occur at any age; often associated with systemic diseases.
Pathophysiology: Immune-mediated inflammation.
Signs and Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, photophobia.
History: Previous episodes, systemic disease history.
Evaluation: Slit-lamp examination, assessment of systemic conditions.
Treatment and Medication: Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy if necessary.
Differential Diagnosis: Iritis, infectious uveitis.
Patient Education: Regular follow-up, recognition of symptoms.
Nystagmus
Definition: Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements.
Etiology: Can be congenital or acquired due to neurological conditions, drug toxicity, or systemic diseases.
Epidemiology: Can be present from birth or develop later in life.
Pathophysiology: Disruption in the neural pathways controlling eye movements.
Signs and Symptoms: Oscillatory eye movements, blurred vision.
History: Developmental history, exposure to potential neurotoxins or diseases.
Evaluation: Clinical examination, neurological assessment.
Treatment and Medication: Address underlying cause; symptomatic management with medications or therapy.
Differential Diagnosis: Vestibular disorders, ocular motility disorders.
Patient Education: Managing underlying conditions, coping strategies for visual disturbances.
Dacryocystitis
Definition: Infection of the lacrimal sac.
Etiology: Bacterial infection, often due to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.
Epidemiology: Common in infants and elderly adults.
Pathophysiology: Obstruction leads to stasis and infection.
Signs and Symptoms: Pain, swelling, redness over the lacrimal sac, discharge.
History: Previous episodes, nasal obstruction history.
Evaluation: Clinical examination, culture of discharge if necessary.
Treatment and Medication: Antibiotics, warm compresses; surgical intervention if chronic.
Differential Diagnosis: Orbital cellulitis, tumors.
Patient Education: Importance of completing antibiotic course, recognizing signs of complications.
Dacryostenosis
Definition: Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.
Etiology: Congenital obstruction, aging.
Epidemiology: Common in newborns; may persist into adulthood.
Pathophysiology: Blockage leads to tear accumulation and possible infection.
Signs and Symptoms: Excessive tearing, discharge.
History: Symptoms starting in infancy, recurrent infections.
Evaluation: Clinical examination; probing of the nasolacrimal duct.
Treatment and Medication: Massage techniques, surgical probing or stenting.
Differential Diagnosis: Dacryocystitis, conjunctivitis.
Patient Education: Techniques for massage, recognizing need for surgical intervention.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye Syndrome)
Definition: Chronic dryness of the eye due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
Etiology: Aging, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), medication side effects.
Epidemiology: Common in older adults; women more affected.
Pathophysiology: Insufficient lubrication leads to inflammation and damage of ocular surfaces.
Signs and Symptoms: Dryness, burning, foreign body sensation, redness.
History: History of autoimmune disorders, use of certain medications.
Evaluation: Schirmer test, tear break-up time.
Treatment and Medication: Artificial tears, anti-inflammatory medications, punctal plugs.
Differential Diagnosis: Allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis.
Patient Education: Use of artificial tears, avoiding irritants.
Blepharitis
Definition: Inflammation of the eyelid margins.
Etiology: Bacterial infection, meibomian gland dysfunction, seborrheic dermatitis.
Epidemiology: Common; often associated with other skin conditions.
Pathophysiology: Inflammation of the eyelid margins and meibomian glands.
Signs and Symptoms: Red, swollen eyelids, crusting, itching.
History: Chronic symptoms, history of skin conditions.
Evaluation: Clinical examination, eyelid margin inspection.
Treatment and Medication: Warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories if necessary.
Differential Diagnosis: Conjunctivitis, stye.
Patient Education: Proper eyelid hygiene, regular cleaning of eyelids.