Ophthalmology in Primary Care Flashcards
What are some “red flag” eye symptoms?
Photophobia
Ophthalmoplegia
Proptosis
Painful eye movements
Decreased visual acuity
Pain in the eye.
What is a stye?
Painful localised yellow swelling of the eyelash follicle caused by Streptococcal infection
How would you manage a Stye?
1) Warm compress
2) Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup
3) If external and painful - The physician can remove the eyelash from the affected follicle to facilitate drainage.
What is a Chalazion?
a blocked meibomian gland leading to inflammation.
Presents with unilateral firm eyelid lump that has grown over time.
How would you manage a Chalazion?
1) Warm compress
2) Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup
3) Massage eyelid
4) Chloramphenicol
5) Incision and curettage under local anaesthetic if conservative therapy fails.
What is blepharitis?
Inflammation of the eyelid margins bilaterally. Usually due to chronic Staphylococcal infection or Seborrheic dermatitis.
How to patients with Blepharitis present?
Grittiness/discomfort in the eye
Itching
sticky/crusty eyelids in the morning.
Management of Blepharitis?
1) Avoid contact lenses and makeup
2) Lid cleansing using diluted baby shampoo in warm water with cotton buds
3) Eyelid massage
4) Warm compress
5) Chloramphenicol ointment
What is conjunctivitis?
Inflammation of the conjunctiva that cane due to an infection or non-infectious cause such as allergic irritation.
How would you manage bacterial conjunctivitis?
Topical antibiotics - Chloramphenicol QDS
How would you manage viral conjunctivitis?
Self resolving. Advise the patient to wash their hands frequently, use separate towels, avoid close contact with others. Topical corticosteroids can be prescribed if indicated.
How will patients present when they have a corneal abrasion?
Patients will present with mild photophobia, pain, lacrimation, conjunctival erythema and patients may complain of blurry/decreased vision.
How are cataracts managed conservatively?
Increased glasses strength
Use of better lighting
Fitness to drive should be assessed and the DVLA should be notified.
How are cataracts managed surgically?
Phacomusification
Risks include posterior capsular opacification.
Posterior capsule rupture
Corneal decompensation
detached retina
Endophthalmitis
