Ophthalmology Flashcards
Give 3 causes of a painful red eye
Acute glaucoma
Anterior uveitis
Conjunctivitis
Define conjunctivitis and give 3 possible causes
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
Causes;
Viral - Adenovirus
Bacterial - Staph, chlamydia, gonococcus
Allergic
Give 4 clinical features of conjunctivitis
Often bilateral
Purulent discharge (sticky = bacterial, watery = viral)
Red, bloodshot eyes
Itchy, gritty sensation
How is conjunctivitis managed? (3)
Resolves without treatment in 1-2 weeks
Bacterial = Chloramphernicol/ fusidic acid eye drops
Allergic = Antihistmaines (oral/topical)
What causes a corneal abrasion and how may it present? (3)
Cause = Trauma
Presentation;
Pain, foreign body sensaiton
Photophobia
Blurred vision, watering eye
How is corneal abrasion investigated? (1)
Slit lamp, fluorescein stains defect yellow/orange
How is corneal abrasion managed? (1)
Cyclopentolate to dilate pupil
Define episcleritis and give 2 causes
Inflammation of the episclera (outermost layer of the sclera, just below the conjunctiva)
Causes;
Idiopathic
Associated with; RA, IBD, SLE
How may episcleritis present? (4)
Painless/mild pain
Mild photophobia
Localised redness
Dilated episcleral vessels
How is episcleritis managed? (3)
Self-limiting in 1-4 weeks
Analgesia, cold compress, safety net
Severe = Systemic NSAIDs (naproxen) or topical steroid eye drops (phenylephrine)
Define scleritis and give 3 causes
Inflammation of the full thickness of the sclera
Causes;
RA, SLE, Polymyalgia rheumatica
IBD (Ulcerative colitis)
Sarcoidosis, Granulomatosis with polyangitis
How may scleritis present? (4)
Severe pain, worse on movement
Blue sclera
Photophobia
Reduced visual acuity
How is scleritis managed? (3)
NSAIDs - Topical/systemic
Steroids
Immunosuppression for underlying condition
Define simple open angle glaucoma
Describes optic nerve damage due to raised IOP due to blockage from aqueous humour >24mmHg.
Nerve damage and decreased blood flow results in disc atrophy and cupping
Give 4 risk factors for chronic simple open angle glaucoma
Increasing age
Black ethnic origin
FHx
Steroids
Define Glaucoma
Describes optic neuropathy that occurs due to raised intraocular pressure
How may chronic simple open angle glaucoma present? (2)
Peripheral vision loss causing tunnel vision
Gradual onset of fluctuating pain, headaches, blurred vision and halos around lights
How is chronic simple open angle glaucoma investigated? (3)
Tonometry = non contact (puff of air on cornea) and Goldman applanation >24mmHg
Fundoscopy = Optic disc cupping
Visual field = Peripheral vision loss
How is chronic simple open angle glaucoma managed? (3)
Eye drops to decrease intraocular pressure
1st - Prostaglandin analogue eye drops (latanoprost)
Others;
BB - Timolol
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor - Dorzolamide
Define acute angle-closure glaucoma
Describes a rise in intra-ocular pressure that impairs aqueous outflow.
Name 3 factors that predispose someone to acute angle closure glaucoma
Hypermetropia (long-sightedness)
Pupillary dilatation
Lens growth associated with age
Give 5 clinical features of acute angle-closure glaucoma
Severe pain (ocular or headache)
Decreased visual acuity
Hard, red eye
Semi-dilated non-reacting pupil
Corneal oedema > Dull/Hazy cornea
What investigations are performed to diagnose acute angle closure glaucoma? (2)
Tonometry - To assess for elevated intraocular pressure
Gonioscopy - Allows visualisation of the angle
How is acute angle closure glaucoma initially managed? (3)
Urgent referral to ophthalmologist
Combination of eye drops;
Pilocarpine, Timolol or Apraclonidine
IV acetazolamide
What is the definitive management for acute angle closure glaucoma?
Laser peripheral iridotomy
(Creates tiny hole in peripheral iris > Aqueous humour flowing to the angle)
How does pilocarpine treat relieve symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma?
Direct parasympathomimetic (Muscarinic Receptor Agonist)
Causes contraction of ciliary muscle > opening the trabecular meshwork > increased outflow of the aqueous humour
How do beta blockers, like timolol, relieve symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma?
Decrease aqueous humour production
How do alpha-2 agonists, like apraclonidine, help relieve symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma?
Dual mechanism;
Decrease aqueous humour production and increase uveoscleral outflow
Define Blepharitis
Describes inflammation of the eyelid margins
Name 2 types of Blephraritis
Posterior Blepharitis - meibomian gland dysfunction (most common)
Anterior Blephraritis - Seborrhoeic dermatitis/staphylococcal infection
Blepharitis is more common in patients with what?
Rosacea
What is the function of the meibomian glands?
Secrete oil onto the surface of the eye to prevent rapid evaporation of the tear film.
Hence any problem with these glands can lead to irritation.
Give 5 clinical features of Blepharitis
Bilateral symptoms
Grittiness and discomfort around eye margins
Eyes may be sticky in the morning
Eyelid margins may be red
Styes and chalazions
What is the difference between a Chalazion and a Stye? (3)
Styes occur along the eyelash line
Chalazions occur further away from the eye on the top eyelid or under the bottom eyelash.
Styes are also more painful than chalazions
How is Blepharitis managed? (4)
Hot compress 2x per day
Lid hygiene - Mechanical removal of debris from lid margins (cotton wool bud dipped in cooled boiled water and baby shampoo)
Topical antibiotics (when bacterial infection is suspected)
Artificial tears
Give 2 risk factors for cataracts
Women > Men
Increasing age