Ocular Emergencies Flashcards
Describe the etiology/risk factors for a corneal ulcer
Epithelial defect on cornea
- bacterial/fungal
- contact lenses at risk for pseudomonas
Describe the clinical presentation of a corneal ulcer
- pain, blurred vision
Describe the PE/diagnostic testing for a corneal ulcer
- May see white spot/infiltrate on cornea
- associated iritis
- culture
Describe the treatment for a corneal ulcer
Broad spectrum abx drops (coverage for pseudomonas)
- cipro or ofloxacin 2gtts q30 mins on day 1
- 2gtts/hr on day 2 until fully healed
Avoid contact lenses
Urgent ophtho referral
Describe the complications of a corneal ulcer
possible permanent visual loss
Describe the types of ocular foreign bodies
- conjunctival
- corneal
- intraocular
Describe the clinical presentation of ocular foreign bodies
Sensation, pain, redness, tearing, discomfort relieved with anesthetic drops
Intraocular FB can be obvious or enter glove and leave little evidence (suspect when periorbital wounds present)
Describe the diagnostic testing/PE for ocular foreign bodies
Conjunctival:
- Careful inspection including lid eversion after topical anesthesia
- “Ice rink sign” = multiple linear corneal abrasions from FB beneath the lid
Corneal:
- topical anesthetic, small corneal abrasion results after removal
Intraocular:
- ophthalmoscope, slit lamp, x-ray, CT
Describe the treatment for conjunctival ocular foreign bodies
Remove with moistened cotton-tip applicator/eye spud, +/- abx
Describe the treatment for corneal ocular foreign bodies
remove under slit lamp with moistened cotton-tip applicator/eye spud, abx drops and pain meds, +/- removal of rust ring (soften after 24hrs)
Describe the treatment for intraocular foreign bodies
prevent endophthalmitis, broad spectrum IV abx
What is this sign called
Ice rink sign
- seen in conjunctival foreign bodies
What is this sign called
corneal rust ring - seen after removal of a corneal foreign body
Describe the etiology of an orbital blowout fracture
Fracture through orbital wall (MC floor or medial wall of orbit) d/t blunt force
Describe the clinical presentation of an orbital blowout fracture
Pain, diplopia, swelling, ecchymosis, limitation of upward gaze
Infraorbital nerve anesthesia
Describe the diagnostic testing for orbital blowout fractures
CT of orbits, x-ray: water’s view
Describe the treatment for orbital blowout fractures
Ice, elevate head of bed to reduce swelling, prophylactic abx, avoid blowing your nose
Ophtho consult, surgery for persistent entrapment or enophthalmos
Describe the complications of orbital blowout fractures
May lead to entrapment of orbital contents leading to gaze restriction
Medial wall fx into ethmoid sinus may lead to orbital emphysema
Describe the etiology of hyphema
Blood in the anterior chamber usually d/t trauma
Microscopic or obvious
25% rebleed 2-5 days after injury, often worse than initial bleed
Describe the treatment of a hyphema
Rest, elevate head of bed to 45°, protective eye shield, avoid ASA & NSAIDs
- Dexamethasone gtts: decrease inflammation
- Myadriatic gtts (cyclopentolate, atropine): dilate & temporarily paralyze pupil
- Aminocaproic acid gtt/PO: prevent clot lysis & rebleed