Opthalmology Conditions Flashcards
Name 8 causes of a Red Eye Presentation
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
Endopthalmitis
Orbital Cellulitis
Corneal Abrasion
Hyphaema
Anterior uveitis
Keratitis
Scleritis
Define Glaucoma
Progressive optic neuropathy in which raised intraocular pressure is a key factor. Raised intraoccular pressure is caused by blockage in aqueous humour draining from eye.
What are the three types of Glaucoma
Open Angle
Closed Angle
Ocular HTN (elevated IOP without the other changes seen in Glaucoma)
Angle Closure Glaucoma can be acute or chronic, what is the difference?
Acute - severe eye pain, visual loss, headache and is an Opthalmic emergency
Chronic - Normally asymptomatic and picked up on routine screening , vision preserved until late stage
Risk factors for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
Increased Age
Asian Ethnicity
F>M
FH
Hyperopia
Shallow anterior chamber
Anticholinergic meds
Adrenergic meds
Tricyclic antidepressants
Describe Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Anatomically predisposed
Lens sits forward and pushes against iris
Pressure increases in posterior chamber causing forwards compression
Scar tissue forms in trabecular meshwork reducing drainage
Can be acute, subacute or chronic
Describe Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Results from other eye pathologies
Push the iris/ciliary body in (eg SOL)
Pull the iris (iris neovascularisation)
Name three investigations for suspected AACG
Tonometry (measures intraocular pressure)
Gonioscopy (allows visualisation of anterior chamber and drainage system)
Slit lamp/Opthalmascope - Optic disc cupping
Chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma is normally asymptomatic, how does Acute present?
severely painful red eye
blurred vision
halos around lights
associated headache, nausea and vomiting
what is seen on examination of somone with Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma?
Red-eye
Teary
Hazy cornea
Decreased visual acuity
Dilation of affected pupil
Fixed pupil size
Firm eyeball on palpation
Describe the opportunistic testing for Glaucoma via NICE guidelines
Every 2y from 60-70y
Annually from 70y
From age of 40 if affected first degree relative
African heritage >40
How is acute angle closure glaucoma managed? (primary care)
- lie on back without pillow
- give pilocarpine eye drops
- give acetazolamide 500mg oral
- give analgesia and an antiemetic if required
- REFER FOR SAME DAY OPTHALMOLOGY ASSESSMENT
What are the secondary care management options for AACG?
- pilocarpine
- acetazolamide iv or oral
- hyperosmotic agesnts - glycerol or mannitol
- timolol
- dorzolamide
- brimonidine
What is the definitive treatment of AACG?
- Inital Oral Acetazolamide and Drops
- Followed by laser peripheral iridotomy (creates opening in iris, allowing equalisation of flow)
- Definitive treatment is advised prophylactically for other eye
Define Endopthalmitis
Severe inflammation of anterior and/or posterior chamber (can be sterile but normally due to infection and often following surgery)
Give 5 causes of Endopthalmitis
Trauma
Eye Surgery
VEGF injections
Endogenous seeding
Extension of Corneal infection
Describe the likely pathogens of Endopthalmitis with each cause
Surgery - Coag neg Staph (epidermis)
Trauma - bacillus cereus
Endogenous - S.Aureus,Klebsiella
How does Endopthalmitis present?
Acute eye pain
Reduced vision
Hypopyon
?swollen eyelid
Name four risk factors for Endopthalmitis
Poor surgical technique
Contaminated lens
Contact lens wear
Immunosupression
What are the three subtypes of Post Op Endopthalmitis?
Acute (one to several days post surgery)
Delayed (up to 9m later, minimal or no pain)
Bleb Associated (after trabeculotomy for Glaucoma)
Name two differentials for Endopthalmitis
Retained lens material
Raised IOP as a result of procedure
How would you investigate Endopthalmitis?
Slit Lamp - Vitreous infiltrates
Vitreous sample for microbiology (Abx cover)
Endogenous - full infection screen
USS eye if unsure
Endopthalmitis is an emergency, depending on the aetiology how is it managed?
Bacterial - Direct Abx injection into Vitreous, if severe then Vitrectomy
Fungal - Vitrectomy and Intravitreal Amphoterecin
Systemic - Systemic Abx
Non Infectious - Steroids
Define Orbital Cellulitis
Sight threatening Opthalmic emergency characterised by infections of the soft tissue behind the septum
Most commonly seen in Children, spreading from local infection
Name five sources of infection for Orbital Cellulitis
Extension from periorbital structures
Extension from presentation structures
Direct Inoculation
Post Surgery
Haematogenous
Name four common pathogens and one rare for Orbital Cellulitis
Common - H.Influenza, Strep Pneumoniae, S.Aureus, S.Pyogenes
Rare - mucormycosis (rare fungal associated with DKA and Neutropenic Sepsis)
how does orbital cellulitis present?
- Redness and swelling around the eye
- Severe ocular pain
- Visual disturbance
- Proptosis
- Ophthalmoplegia/pain with eye movements
- Eyelid oedema and ptosis
- Drowsiness +/- Nausea/vomiting in meningeal involvement (Rare)
Orbital Cellulitis is generally a clinical diagnosis. What investigations could you do, and what would they show?
FBC - leukocytosis + raised inflammatory markers
Blood cultures - negative
LP (if focal signs)
Swabs
CT sinus and orbit with contrast - extension
Orbital Cellulitis is an emergency and requires urgent antibiotics and four hourly monitoring. What are the Abx of choice?
1) Co Amoxiclav
If pen allergic - Clindamycin and Metronidazole
MRSA - Vancomycin
When would you consider surgery in Orbital Cellulitis?
Resistant to antibiotics
Reduced visual acuity
CT evidence of orbital collection
Name four complications of Orbital Cellulitis
Endopthalmitis
Meningitis
Orbital Abscess
Subperiosteal Abscess
Corneal injuries can be physical, chemical or environmental. What makes a corneal abrasion (partial thickness) more likely?
If the eye doesn’t shut properly
Other than corneal abrasions, what other corneal injuries are common?
Superficial Keratitis
Foreign Bodies
If there is no clear mechanism of injury but you suspect damage to the cornea, what should you cosncier
HSV infection
How does a superficial corneal abrasion present?
Redness
Pain
Watering
Foreign Body Sensation
Photophobia
How does a penetration corneal injury present?
Distorted globe
Hyphaema
Conjunctival laceration
Red and watering
Name some functional and general features you are looking for on observation of corneal injury
Functional - Diplopia, Abnormal visual fields, RAPD
General - raised IOP, infection
How can the Cornea be examined in suspected corneal injury?
Seidles Test - 10% Fluorescine and slit lamp to look for corneal leak (yellow/orange)
Abrasion with dilute fluorosciene
Name three red flags for corneal injury
Deep lid laceration
Subconjunctival haemorrhage
Pupils/Iris/Fundus abnormality
How would you manage a Corneal Abrasion?
Pain relief (topical NSAIDs or Oral Abx)
Topical chloramphenicol to prevent secondary infection
Tetanus prophylaxis where necessary
Avoid contact lenses for 2 weeks
How are Corneal Foreign Bodies managed?
Topical anaesthetic
Eye irrigation and removal with damp cotton bud
After removal treat as corneal abrasion
How can rust rings be removed?
A sterile rotating burr
How should a penetrating corneal injury be managed?
Cover with rigid eye patch and refer immediately for emergency surgery
Give two examples of how chemical corneal injuries can be managed?
CA gas - blown off the eye using a hairdryer
Pepper spray and chlorine gas - copiously irrigated
Define Hyphaema
When blood enters anterior chamber between cornea and iris
How does a Hyphaema present?
Decrease/ Loss of vision (may improve as gravity pulls the blood down)
Red tinge to eye
Name 5 causes of a Hyphaema
Intraocular Surgery
Blunt trauma
Lacerating Trauma
Leukaemia
Retinoblastoma
How are Hyphaemas managed?
Small - Outpatient basis, antifibrinolytics, corticosteroids, mitotics, asparin
Non resolving - surgical clean out
Pain relief - avoid aspirin and NSAIDs due to platelet interaction
Name two complications of Hyphaema
Haemosiderosis
Raised IOP
What is the grading system for chemical injury of the eye?
Roper Hall
What is the immediate management for Ocular Chemical Injury?
1) Check pH with universal indicator
2) Administer topical anaesthetic and remove contact lenses
3) 1L saline irrigation continued until pH is 7
4) Rechecked every 15 minutes
If the Chemical Injury of the eye was moderate or severe, how would it be managed?
Dexamethasone 1-2 hourly
Vitamin C (topically and orally)
Citrate and Tetracyclines
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. How does Bacterial Conjunctivitis present?
Purulent discharge
Worse in the morning
Inflamed conjunctiva
Starts in one eye and spreads to the other
How does Viral Conjunctivitis present?
Clear discharge
Other symptoms of viral infection (URTI)
Preauricular lymph nodes
What advice should you give patients with conjunctivitis?
Usually resolves without treatment in 1-2 weeks
Maintain good hygiene (avoid sharing towels, rubbing eyes)
Avoid contact lenses
Clean with cooled boiled water and cotton wool
How can bacterial conjunctivitis be managed?
Chloramphenicol (contraindicated if pregnant or breast feeding)
Fusidic Acid
How does Allergic Conjuncitivitis present?
Swelling of conjunctival sac and eyelid
Watery discharge
Itch
How is Allergic Conjunctivitis managed?
Antihistamines (Oral or topical)
Topical mast cell stabilisers used for several weeks if chronic symptoms
Name four causes of Anterior Uveitis
Autoimmune
Infection
Trauma
Ischaemia
Anterior Uveitis can be Acute or chronic . How do they differ ?
Chronic is more Granulomatous, less severe, longer symptom duration (often >3m)
Name three associations of Anterior Uveitis and Chronic Anterior Uveitis respectively
acute: HLA B27 related conditions - Anklyosing Spondylitis, IBD, Reactive Arthritis
Sarcoidosis, Syphilis, TB, Lyme disease, herpes virus
How does Anterior Uveitis present?
- Spontaneous unilateral symptoms
- Dull aching
- Red Eye
- Ciliary Flush (ring of red from cornea outwards)
- Reduced visual acuity
- Flashers and floaters
what are some signs seen on examination of anterior uveitis?
What causes floaters in Anterior Uveitis?
Inflammation and immune cells in the anterior chamber
What is Posterior Synechiae? Give an association
Adhesions that can cause disruption to pupillary shape
Anterior Uveitis
If a GP suspects a sight threatening opthalmological condition, what should they do?
Same day assessment by ophthalmologist
Slit lamp examination and IOP measurement
How would you manage Anterior Uveitis?
Steroids - oral, topical, IV
Cytoplegic (paralysing ciliary muscles) /Mydriatic (dilating pupils) medication
Immunosupressants
Severe - Laser therapy, Cryotherapy
What is the role of Cytoplegic/Mydriatic Medication in Anterior Uveitis? and give some examples.
cyclopentolate or atropine eye drops - antimuscarinic that block actions of iris sphincter muscles and ciliary body, dilate pupil and reduce pain associated with ciliary spasm by stopping action of ciliary body
cycloplegic = Paralyses ciliary muscles
mydriatic = dilate pupil
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, give some causes
viral - herpes simplex
bacterial - pseudomonas, staphylococcus
fungal - candida or aspergillus
caonact lens acute red eye (CLARE)
exposure keratitis - indequate eyelid coverage
Describe the pathophysiology of Bacterial Keratitis
Infection of one or more layers of the Cornea, normally once the epithelial layer has been breached (eg corneal abrasion)
Risks - Diabetes, contact lens, corneal trauma
Name four presenting features of Keratitis
Redness
Pain
Photophobia
Reduced acuity
What can be seen on examination of a Keratitic eye?
Oedema
White cell infiltration
Epithelial defect
How is Keratitis managed?
Intensive topical antibiotics - Ofloxacin for Pseudomonas cover (with or without cycloplegics)
?Steroids
Stop contact lens use
Herpes Simplex Keratitis is the most common, and only normally affects epithelial layer. What could distinguish it from other causes of Keratitis?
Vesicles around the eye
What would Fluorescein staining of a HSV Keratitis eye show?
Dendritic corneal ulcer (branching and spreading)
How is HSV Keratitis managed?
Acyclovir (topical or oral)
Ganciclovir eye gel
Topical steroids
Define Scleritis
Inflammation of full thickness of the sclera
Normally not caused by infection
What is the most severe form of Scleritis?
Necrotising Scleritis
Visual impairment but not pain
Can lead to Scleral perforation
Name four associated conditions with scleritis
SLE
IBD
RA
Sarcoidosis
How does Scleritis present?
50% bilateral
Pain (especially on eye movement)
Photophobia
Reduced acuity
Abnormal pupillary response
How is Scleritis managed?
Underlying condition
NSAIDs and Steroids
Name five causes of Gradual Visual Deterioration
Cataracts
Open Angle Glaucoma
ARMD
Diabetic Retinopathy
Presbyopia
What are Cataracts?
Opacification of the Lens
Major cause of treatable blindness worldwide
Cataracts can be age related or non age related. Give three causes of non age related
Trauma
Steroids
Uveitis
What are the three classifications of Paediatric Cataracts
1/3 Inherited (Autosomal Dominant)
1/3 Systemic (Rubella, Fabrys)
1/3 Idiopathic
Cataracts can be classified depending on the location of lens affected. What are the three classifications
Nuclear
Cortical
Posterior Subcapsular
How do Nuclear Cataracts present?
Loss of colour vision
Slow progression
How do Cortical Cataracts present?
Less visual degradation
Slow progression
How to Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts present?
Disabling glare to bright lights
Quick progression
Links to DM and Steroids
Describe the pathophysiology of Cataracts
Lens is normally a highly organised structure to maintain transparency
Lack of blood supply and inability to shed non viable cells leaves the lens succeptible to insult
Results in loss of transparency, nodular sclerosis, inability to refract light
Give 6 presenting features of Cataracts
Painless loss of vision
Halls around lights
Sensitivity to light and glare
Polyopia
Myopic shift (improved near sighted)
Loss of red reflex
Cataracts are a clinical diagnosis. What features will be seen on Opthalmoscope/Slit Lamp?
Loss of red reflex
Opacification
Obscuration of ocular detail
Surgery is carried out for Cataracts when they have a significant impact on ADLs. What are the two techniques called?
Phacoemulsification
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
Name two differences between the Cataract surgical techniques
PE - breaks up diseases lens and aspirates contents, small incision
ECE- Whole removal of diseased nucleus, larger incision
Name three immediate and three delayed features of Cataract Surgery
Immediate - Endopthalmitis, Lens Malposition, Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome
Delayed - retinal detachment, macular degeneration, Posterior capsule opacification *
*proliferation of lens remnants, treated with laser
Describe the four layers of the Macula
Choroid
Bruch’s Membrane
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Photoreceptors
ARMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK, what are the two types?
Dry - 90%
Wet - 10%
Describe Dry ARMD
Progressive atrophy
Doesn’t exude
Late - Geographic Atrophy (large well demarcated sections of retina stop functioning)
Describe Wet ARMD
Worse prognosis
Development of new vessels from choroid layer into retina (via VEGF)
Vessels leak - Oedema
Drusen are characteristic of ARMD. What are they?
Yellow deposits of protein/lipids between retinal pigment epithelium and Bruchs
Can be normal
Larger and greater numbers can be an early sign
Give four risk factors for ARMD
Age
Smoking
Chinese Ethnicity
FH
How does ARMD present?
Gradually worsening central visual loss
Reduced acuity
Crooked appearance to lines
Wet - more acute and rapid
Name four investigations (other than Snellen) for ARMD and what you would see
Amsler Grid Test - Straight Line Distortion
Fundoscopy - Drusen
OCT - cross sectional retinal view (wet)
Fluorescein Angiography- Oedema and Neovascularisation
How is Dry ARMD managed?
No treatment just lifestyle means urges to slow progression (smoking cessation, BP control, Vitamins)
How is Wet ARMD managed?
Anti VEGF Vitreous injections (Ranibizumab)
Started within three months
Give four risk factors for Open Angle Glaucoma
Age
Afrocaribbean ethnicity
Diabetes
Myopia
Open Angle Glaucoma can be primary or secondary. What is primary?
Unknown aetiology
Unsure if increased production or decreased drainage
May be predisposed by microcirculatory factors and genetic damage
Open Angle Glaucoma can be primary or secondary. What is secondary?
Reduced drainage and increased IOP
5 subtypes : Neovascular (DM), Pseuodoexfoliative, Uveitis, Glucocorticoid Induced, Pigmentary
How does Open Angle Glaucoma present?
Largely asymptomatic until late stages
Central vision relatively preserved until late - tunnel vision and bumping into things
Name five investigations for Open Angle Glaucoma
- Opthalmoscope (progressive cupping)
- Humphrey visual field analyser
- Goldman Applanation Tonometry
- Gonioscopy
- Corneal thickness (contextualises IOP)
There are a variety of drug classes that act on humour production and are used to treat OAG. What is the first line? Give two contraindications and two side effects
Latanoprost
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Brown Iris pigmentation and pigmentation of surrounding skin (also lash thickening, irritation)
What is the surgical management for Open Angle Glaucoma?
Lasted trabeculoplasty
Soft laser ‘wakes up meshwork’
Or Trabeculectomy
Can cause iritis and blebitis
Describe the pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy
Vessels in the retina are damaged by prolonged hyperglycaemia, leading to increased vascular permeability
Describe 6 features of Diabetic Retinopathy as seen on an Opthalmoscope
Blot Haemorrhages and Hard Exudates (leakage)
Microaneurysms (weakness)
Venous Beading
Cotton Wool Spots (nerve damage)
Neovascularisation (local GF release)
Diabetic Retinopathy can be non proliferative, proliferative or a maculopathy. Describe non proliferative
Mild - Microaneurysms
Moderate - Microaneurysms, Blot Haemorrhages, Hard Exudates, Cotton Wool Spots, Venous Beading
Severe - Blot Haemorrhages and Microaneurysms in four quadrants, beading in >2 quadrants, IMRA in any quadrant
Diabetic Retinopathy can be non proliferative, proliferative or a maculopathy. Describe proliferative
Neovascularisation
Vitreous Haemorrhage
Diabetic Retinopathy can be non proliferative, proliferative or a maculopathy. Describe Maculopathy
Macular Oedema
Ischaemic Maculopathy
Can be focal/diffuse/central involving
Name four complications of Diabetic Retinopathy
Rubeosis Iridis (new BV formation in iris)
Retinal detachment
Vitreous Haemorrhage
Cataracts
How is Diabetic Retinpathy managed?
Anti VEGF
Laser Photocoagulation
Severe - keyhole vitreoretinal Surgery
Optimise DM control
Name three requirements of the accommodation reflex
Eyes converging
Pupil size reducing
Lens changing shape and pattern
What is Presbyopia?
Gradual loss of accommodation response due to decline in elasticity, becoming apparent when amplitude is insufficient to carry out near tasks
How does Presbyopia present?
Difficulty carrying out near tasks
Accommodative lag (from distance to near vice versa)
Tiring with continuous close work
How is Presbyopia treated?
OTC glasses are normally sufficient
If pre-existing refractive error - prescription glasses
If Presbyopia happens prematurely, what is the likely cause?
Accommodative Insufficiency (Associated with encephalitis and enclosed head trauma)
Inability to maintain binocular enlargment as object becomes closer (aka eye strain)
Name six causes of sudden visual loss
CRAO
Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy
Vitreous Haemorrhage
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal Detachment
Optic Neuritis
What are the five broad causes of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion?
CVS Disease (carotid atherosclerosis, AF)
Vascular disease (dissection, fabrys)
Inflammatory (GCA)
Haematological
Rare (toxoplasmosis, Surgery)