Medications for Eye Conditions

Question 1

What are the 4 common routes of medication administration?

Answer 1

1) Topically
2) Systemic
3) Injections
4) Continuous-release delivery

Question 2

Name 3 forms of medication used topically

Answer 2

1) Solution
2) Suspension
3) Ointments

Question 3

What are the key characteristics of Solutions? (4)

Answer 3

They are a solid mixed with solvent, you do not need to shake them.
They have less contact with your eye-washed away with tears.
They do not make your vision blurry.
They need to be applied often.

Question 4

What are the key characteristics of Suspensions? (2)

Answer 4

They are a solid mixed with a liquid.
They need to be shaken, often have ‘mix well before use’ on the packaging.

Question 5

What are the key characteristics of Ointments? (5)

Answer 5

They are semi-solid, greasy, jelly-like, creamy.
They have more contact with your eye.
You do not need to apply as often.
They do blur your vision.
Apply ointments before bed.

Question 6

What does it mean to take a drug systemically?

Answer 6

Taken orally or by injection subcutaneously (under the skin).

Question 7

Why would someone take medication systematically rather than topically/locally?

Answer 7

Topically only reaches the anterior chamber whereas systematic reaches to the posterior chamber.

Question 8

Name the 3 kinds of injections often used?

Answer 8

1) Subconjunctival
2) RetroBulbar
3) Intracameral

Question 9

Expand on the subconjunctival injections.

Answer 9

It is administered under the conjunctiva.

Question 10

Expand on the RetroBulbar injections.

Answer 10

It is injected through the skin of the lower lid, the point of the needle emerging behind the eyeball.

Question 11

Expand on the Intracameral injections.

Answer 11

This is given into the anterior chamber at the start of cataract surgery to enhance patient comfort.

Question 12

What does it mean to take medication using a Continues- Release delivery?

Answer 12

A disc or tiny capsule is implanted in the lower eyelid which slowly releases medications 24 hours a day for 7 days. Example medication is: Lacrisert.

Question 13

What are the 5 basic requirements used when preparing medication?

Answer 13

1) Tolerance
2) Tonicity
3) Sterility
4) Stability
5) Penetration

Question 14

Expand on Tolerance (5)

Answer 14

It is measured in pH which is the ideal acid base/ potential for hydrogen.
pH greater than 7 = alkaline
pH less than 7 = acidic
Tears pH level = 7.4 approx
Ophthalmic solutions are often between 3.5 and 10.5 to avoid irritation.

Question 15

Expand on Tonicity (4)

Answer 15

This is the concentration of chemicals in the solution
Too many chemicals = hypertonic
Low in concentration = hypotonic
Saline solution has 0.9% sodium chloride equivalent, which is the same as tears.

Question 16

Expand on Sterility (4)

Answer 16

This is the state of being free from bacterial contamination.
It is achieved by autoclaving/ bacterial filters
Preservatives are added to keep the solution sterile for longer
Once a bottle is open it is no longer considered sterile.

Question 17

What do Preservatives do and name 2 commonly used preservatives?

Answer 17

Preservatives inhibit growth of fungi and bacteria, keeping the solutions sterile for longer.
Benzalkonium chloride + chlorobutanol

Question 18

What is the main bacteria found in Dirty Water and soil?

Answer 18

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 19

Expand on Stability (2)

Answer 19

Opaque and dark bottles are often used to maintain stability because some medications react with light.
The eye ointments are prepped with petrolatum base or water soluble due to stability.

Question 20

Expand on Penetration (3)

Answer 20

It goes directly to the cornea and anterior chamber of the eye
Does not go past the crystalline lens.
Drops usually have fat or water-soluble to help with penetration.

Question 21

Name side effects of medication due to a Allergic Reaction (3)

Answer 21

Chemosis,
lid irritation,
redness

Question 22

Name side effects of medication due to a Toxic Reaction (2)

Answer 22

Produce irreversible damage
Systemic Disturbances (glaucoma medication can cause cataracts or retinal detachment)

Question 23

Six steps for writing a prescription

Answer 23

1) Name, address, date of rx
2) name of drug + percentage of concentration/dosage of each unit
3) amount of drug supplied - M/Mitte - quantity
4) Sig/ S what directions to label
5) Signiture of physician
6) Notation - refill/no refill etc

Question 23

Name other side effects of medication (Not allergic/toxic reaction related) (3)

Answer 23

Raised IOP
Discolouration of the eye (conjunctiva - black spots)
Spread of infection (nozzle on bottle touching eyelash’s)

Question 24

What are the abbreviations of the following:
1 - RX
2- od
3 - os
4 - ou
5- Sol
6 - Ung

Answer 24

1) take thou/ prescription
2) oculus dexter (right eye)
3) oculus sinister (left eye)
4) oculus uterque (both eyes)
5) solution
6) ointment

Question 25

What does Mydriatic agents do and when are they used?

Answer 25

Dilates the pupil by relaxing the sphincter muscles (4-8 mm)
Intraocular exams so the doctor can see into the eye better

Question 26

What does Cycloplegic agent do and when are they used?

Answer 26

Paralyses the ciliary muscles so accommodation can not occur and dilates the pupil.
generally used in children eye exams and iritis therapy.

Question 27

What does Miotic agents do and when are they used?

Answer 27

Constricts the pupil by stimulating the sphincter muscles.
Used in glaucoma treatment to help with the flow of aqueous humour.

Question 28

How are Topical Anesthetics applied and in what form?

Answer 28

They are dropped directly onto the eye in drop or ointment form and they desensitise the cornea.

Question 29

When are Topical Anesthetics used? (2)

Answer 29

Surgeries
Removing of a foreign body

Question 30

When are Injectable Anesthetics used and where?

Answer 30

Used in Ophthalmology
Used on the globe, eyelid, extra ocular muscles, eyelid muscles

Question 31

What are some side effects of Injectable Anesthetics? (5)

Answer 31

Depress blood pressure
Depress respiration
Nervousness
Nausea
Breathing difficulty