Lid and Lacrimal Apparatus Disorders Flashcards
Conjunctivitis
MOST COMMON diagnosis in a patient with a red eye AND discharge
Conjunctivitis Epidemiology Points
Most infectious conjunctivitis is viral in both adults and children
Bacterial conjunctivitis more common in children than adults
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Staph aureus (common in adults)
Strep pneumo
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Redness and discharge in one eye (although it can be bilateral)
Affected eye often “matted shut” in the morning (this can also occur with viral and allergic etiologies)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Typical Presentation
Conjunctival inflammation
Purulent discharge at the lid margins and in the corners of the eye
***More purulent discharge appears within minutes of wiping the lids
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Treatment
not usually needed unless a virulent organism is suspected or in the case of:
Neonates
Bacterial, chlamydial, and viral infections are major causes of septic neonatal conjunctivitis, with Chlamydia being the most common infectious agent.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Typically caused by adenovirus
Viral Conjunctivitis
Usually unilateral
MAY BE part of a systemic viral illness
Patient often has a burning, sandy, or gritty feeling (but NOT really pain!)
Typically more of a watery discharge during the day with perhaps some scant mucus
Viral Conjunctivitis Typical Presentation:
Only mucoid discharge if one pulls down the lower lid or looks very closely in the corner of the eye
Usually profuse tearing rather than true discharge
Palpebral conjunctiva may have a follicular or “bumpy” appearance
There may be an enlarged and tender preauricular lymph node
Viral Conjunctivitis Course
Generally self limited, parallels that of the common cold
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Cause: airborne allergens
Typically presents the same way as viral conjunctivitis but is **bilateral from the start
Noninfectious Non Allergic Conjunctivitis
Usually from transient mechanical or chemical insult:
Dry eye
Chemical splash
Following expelled foreign body (may have redness or discharge for 12-24 hours)
RED FLAGS
Reduction of visual acuity
Severe deep eye pain (NOT just an irritation)
Ciliary flush: A pattern of injection in which the redness is MOST pronounced in a ring at the limbus (the limbus is the transition zone between the cornea and the sclera)
Photophobia
Severe foreign body sensation that prevents the patient from keeping the eye open
Corneal opacity
Fixed pupil
Severe headache with nausea
Therapeutics Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Antibiotic ointment or drops
Examples: Erythromycin ointment, Sulfacetamide ointment
or Gentamyacin or Polytrim drops
Second line agents
Cipro drops: (Contraindicated in children)
Azithromycin drops
N. Gonorrhoeae Conjunctivitis
by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Transmission usually from genitalia hands eyes
Concurrent urethritis typically present
Characterized by profuse purulent discharge
Requires immediate ophthalmologic referral and patients require hospitalization for systemic and topical antibiotic therapy to prevent vision loss
Therapeutics Viral Conjunctivitis:
Aimed at symptomatic relief
Can use OTC topical antihistamine/decongestant
Warm or cool compresses may provide additional symptomatic relief
Antiviral agents play NO role
Education: Tell patients that irritation and discharge may get worse for three to five days before getting better, that symptoms can persist for 2-3 weeks.
Therapeutics Allergic Conjunctivitis
OTC antihistamine/decongestant drops (Visine A)
OTC oral antihistamines (Benadryl, Tavist)
Mast cell stabilizers such as Olopatadine (Patanol) and Azelastine (Optivar)
NSAID ophthalmic drop such as Ketoralac (Acular)
Therapeutics Noninfectious Nonallergic Conjunctivitis
Generally a spontaneous resolution of symptoms
Topical lubricants may help provide symptomatic relief
Drops can be used every hour (Hypotears, Refresh)
Ointments provide longer lasting relief but blur vision (many patients use at bedtime) (Lacrilube, Refresh PM)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Age
Female gender
Hormonal changes (decreased androgens)
Systemic diseases (DM, Parkinson)
Contact lens wearers
Systemic medications
Ocular medications—especially those w/ preservatives
Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin A deficiency)
Decreased corneal sensation
Ophthalmic surgery (corneal refractive surgery)
Low humidity environments