Ophthalmic Key Concepts

Question 1

What is glaucoma?

Answer 1

A primary problem of increased ocular pressure (ocular hypertension) that can result in nerve damage and blindness. Acute angle closure is an ophthalmic emergency.

Question 2

Beta blockers in the treatment of Glaucoma

Answer 2

1st line therapy

DECREASE PRODUCTION of aqueous humor

Meds: TIMOLOL
BETAXOTOL

Question 3

Alpha-2 Agonist in the treatment of Glaucoma

Answer 3

1st line therapy

DECREASE PRODUCTION of aqueous humor and increases outflow

Meds: BRIMODINE, APRACLONIDONE

Question 4

Prostaglandins in the treatment of Glaucoma

Answer 4

1st line therapy

Relaxes ciliary muscle to INCREASE OUTFLOW of aqueous humor

Meds: BIMATOPROST, TRAVOPROST, LATANOPROST (PROST meds)

Question 5

Cholinergic medications in the treatment of glaucoma

Answer 5

Miosis will open up trabecular meshwork, FACILITATING AQUEOUS OUTFLOW

Meds: PILOCARBINE (direct cholinergic)

Question 6

Cholinesterase Inhibitors in the treatment of Glaucoma

Answer 6

Miosis will open up trabecular meshwork, FACILITATING AQUEOUS OUTFLOW

Meds: PHYSOSTIGMINE CARBACHOL (indirect cholinesterase inhibitors)

Question 7

What is macular degeneration (MD)?

Answer 7

Damage to the center of the retina that is responsible for clarity of vision leading to central blindness over time

Question 8

What supplement can a patient take to slow the progression of MD of the eye?

Answer 8

High dose antioxidants

Question 9

Nursing considerations for handling and administering eye drops?

Answer 9

Alway make sure medication designed for ophthalmic use
Wash hands and keep dropper sterile, avoid touching tip of container to eye
Best to administer drops one at a time, separated by several minutes
Administer in lower conjunctive sac
Pressure to lacrimal sac will decrease systemic absorption
DOE technique- keep eyes close for 5 min to lessen drops from draining down the tear duct and being absorbed