Opthamology Flashcards
what is the iris
coloured part of the eye
what does the lens do and what is it held in place by
focus light onto the retina which is a sensitive layer of the eye. The lens eld in place by the ciliary body
what is the sclera, what does it sit under and what is at the front of it
white of the eye, sits under conjunctiva with the cornea at the front
what’s conjunctiva
thin transparent membrane that covers sclera, protects and keeps it moist from dust debris etc.
what is red eye
-appearance of redness of the sclera due to irritation or the inflammation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva
what are the 3 conditions that stem from red eye
-subconjunctival haematoma
-simple vasodilation of the capillaries in the sclera of the eye
-conjunctivitis
what is subconjunctival haematoma:
-symptoms
-cause
-treatment
Rupture of broken blood vessels that causes redness in the sclera
-not painful
-doesn’t cause visual disturbance
-due to temporary pressure increase e.g. sneezing
-no treatment, but refer if it causes trauma or if patient is diabetic
what is simple vasodilation detail
general redness of the sclera
-caused by local irritation or allergy or maybe sleep deprivation
-treatment: local (only eye area) antihistamine e.g. antazoline or sodium cromoglycate
-vasoconstrictors, meds that can narrow blood vessels (eye whiteners), short term use only as long term may lead to narrow angle glaucoma (leads to vision loss)
what is conjunctivitis and what is it caused by and symptoms
inflammation of the conjunctiva that can cause a lot of excess exudation which is the fluid discharged from the eyes that can cause hard crusted material and restriction when opening eyes
Caused by either:
Virus (cold/flu): Both eyes affected. Watery discharge, gritty, cough symptoms
Bacteria: Both eyes or unilateral (start in one eye). Mucopurulent discharge (yellow thick fluid). No pain or change in vision
Allergic: Both eyes affected, watery discharge, itchy eyes, associated with rhinitis, hay fever symptoms
Chlamydia
Bacterial conjunctivitis treatment, when to refer, how to store and the dose
self limiting but treatment can speed recovery
-chloramphenicol, every 2 hours for the first 48 hours then reduced to 4x a day.
-Refer if no response in 36-48 hours
-store in fridge
viral conjunctivitis treatment
practical measures like now sharing towels and make sure to wash hands as it is very contagious
allergic conjunctivitis treatment
-avoid allergens
-antihistamines e.g. sodium cromoglycate during hay fever season
when to refer for red eye
-distortion of vision
-irregular shaped pupil
-photophobia (sensitivity to light)
-eye pain: sharp, aching, burning
-clouding of cornea
-redness localised around the pupil
red eye treatments general
-chloramphenicol
-sodium cromoglycate
-naphazoline (optrex)
what is dry eye
insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish eyes
medicine induced dry eyes
-diuretics ( meds that get rid of excess salt and water in body by increasing urine vol in kidneys)
-isotretinoin
-beta blockers (reducing heart rate, blood pressure etc.)
-hormone replacement therapy
treatment for dry eye
-artificial tears: Hypromellose 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%
-carbomer: GelTears
-lubricants e.g. lacri lube
Herpes simplex eye infections and symptoms
infection of the eye caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)
-Can cause cold sores on face or mouth
-redness of the eye
-swelling of eye
-pain of eye
-inflammation of eye
treatment and management of herpes
-immediately refer as they can lose eye sight
-do not wear contacts until treatment is finished
-prescribed medication includes eye drops and ointments that are antiviral and a corticosteroid or antiviral tablets
what are styes
eyelash follicle or eye gland becomes infection caused by blocked duct (bacteria growth)
-internal styes can be a secondary infection
stye symptoms
swollen eyelash with inflammation and pain
-vision not impaired but swollen life may modify view
-localised pus
factors that increase chances of styes
acne
diabetes
blepharitis (chronic inflammation of the eye)
once an eyelash follicle has become infected it is prone to subsequent attacks by styes
stye treatment/management
-usually resolves spontaneously after 3-4 days
-warm compress may open blocked pores
-don’t squeeze, can cause infection
-chloramphenicol eye ointment antibiotic
-if treatment fails then refer
stye vs chalazions
-styes are bacterial infections of the eyelid edge
-chalazions are blocked oil glands in the eyelid that usually doesn’t hurt
