Ophthalmology

Question 1

Give Examples of ocular lubricants (artificial tears)

Answer 1

Hypromellose, Carbomers, liquid and white soft paraffin

Question 2

what are the common indications of ocular lubricants?

Answer 2

1st line symptomatic treatment - dry eye conditions. E.g.:

1. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
2. Sjogren’s syndrome

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of ocular lubricants?

Answer 3

soothing effect in dry eye conditions. Help protect the eye surfaces from abrasive damage.
Gels - remain in eyes longer
Ointments - highly viscous, greater protection, blurred vision.

Question 4

Important side effects of ocular lubricants?

Answer 4

few side effects. Mild stinging on application and temporary blurring of vision. May have local inflammatory (allergic) reaction.

Question 5

Important interactions of ocular lubricants?

Answer 5

No clinically important side effects. take 5 mins apart form any other eye drops. take lubricants last to avoid washing away.

Question 6

Give an example of prostaglandin analogue eye drops?

Answer 6

Latanoprost, Bimatoprost

Question 7

What are the common indications for the use of prostaglandin analogue eye drops?

Answer 7

1st line agents to lower intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Question 8

Mechanism of action of prostaglandin analogue eye drops?

Answer 8

increase the outflow of aqueous humour via the uveoscleral pathway. The exact mechanism is uncertain.

Question 9

Important adverse reactions of prostaglandin analogue eye drops?

Answer 9

May cause blurred vision, conjunctival reddening (hyperaemia) and ocular irritation and pain. May also cause permanent change in eye colour by increasing the amount of melanin in stromal melanocytes of the iris.

Question 10

Warnings of prostaglandin analogue eye drops?

Answer 10

caution when considering treatment in eyes where the lens is absent (∆aphakia) or artificial (∆pseudophakia) and in patients at risk of (∆iritis, uveitis or macular oedema).

In patients with asthma theoretical risk of provoking bronchoconstriction. But in practise doesn’t happen.

Question 11

important interactions of prostaglandin analogue eye drops?

Answer 11

There are no clinically important adverse drug interactions with prostaglandin analogue eye drops.