L20: Eye Infections Flashcards
What is blepharitis?
Infection of the eyelids
Blepharitis can be anterior or posterior and may present as acute or chronic.
What is dacryocystitis?
Infection of the lacrimal sac
Dacryocystitis can cause localized inflammation near the nasal corner of the eye.
What is conjunctivitis?
Infection of the conjunctiva
Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria and is often highly contagious.
What is keratitis?
Infection of the cornea
Keratitis can result from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
What is endophthalmitis?
Infection within the vitreous or aqueous humor
Endophthalmitis is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss.
What is uveitis?
Infection of the uveal tract
Uveitis can be associated with systemic diseases and may lead to severe complications.
List the common causes of blepharitis.
- Staphylococcus aureus
- HSV
- VZV
- Demodex mites
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of blepharitis.
What are the clinical manifestations of blepharitis?
- Inflammation
- Burning around eyelid margins
- Tearing
- Gritty sensation
- Crusting/matted eyelashes
Symptoms can vary based on the type of blepharitis (anterior vs. posterior).
What complications can arise from blepharitis?
- Hordeolum (stye)
- Periorbital cellulitis
- Orbital cellulitis
Hordeolum is a localized infection of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid.
What is the most common cause of dacryocystitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Other causes can include Streptococcus and E. coli.
What are the clinical manifestations of dacryocystitis?
- Pain
- Tearing
- Localized inflammation near the nasal corner of the eye
Symptoms can have acute or chronic presentations.
What is the treatment for acute dacryocystitis?
- Antibiotics (oral or IV)
- Warm compresses
- Surgery may be needed if chronic
Treatment depends on the severity and extent of the infection.
What are the common clinical manifestations of conjunctivitis?
- Red eyes
- Watery or thick/purulent discharge
- Mild irritation or absence of eye pain
Conjunctivitis can be infectious or non-infectious.
What is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis?
Adenovirus
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often begins in one eye.
What are the typical signs of bacterial conjunctivitis in adults?
- Hyperemia
- Purulent discharge
- Mild eyelid edema
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause in adults.
What is gonococcal conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
It can present with hyperacute onset and is often unilateral in adults.
True or False: Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
True
Bacterial and viral infections are the most common types.
Fill in the blank: _______ is an infection of the cornea.
[keratitis]
Keratitis can lead to serious complications if untreated.
What are the treatment options for viral conjunctivitis?
- Cool compresses
- Non-antibiotic lubricating agents
- Antivirals if caused by HSV or VZV
Supportive care is typically the mainstay of treatment.
What is autoinoculation in the context of conjunctivitis?
Transfer of infection from genitals to eyes
This typically occurs in adults.
What is neonatal conjunctivitis also known as?
Ophthalmia neonatorum
It is associated with vaginal delivery.
What are the typical signs/symptoms of conjunctivitis?
Rapid onset, often unilateral in adults; bilateral in neonates
Symptoms include hyperemia, profuse purulent discharge, eyelid edema, and chemosis.
What are potential complications of conjunctivitis?
Corneal clouding, ulceration, abscess, perforation, endophthalmitis, blindness
These complications can arise from untreated conjunctivitis.
Which organism causes gonococcal conjunctivitis?
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
This is a type of bacterial conjunctivitis.
What type of organism is Chlamydia trachomatis?
Obligate intracellular organism
It resides within epithelial cells.
What are the subtypes of Chlamydia trachomatis that cause adult inclusion conjunctivitis?
Subtypes D-K
These can cause autoinoculation from genitals to eyes.
What are the signs/symptoms of chlamydial conjunctivitis?
Watery or mucopurulent discharge, hyperemia, chemosis
Rapid onset is also a characteristic.
What is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide?
Trachoma
Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis subtypes A-C.
What are the two phases of trachoma progression?
Active (early) phase and Cicatricial (late) phase
The active phase includes TF and TI stages; TI is the most infectious.