Red Eye: Dry Eye (D&T) Flashcards

1
Q

What is dry eye?

A

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca

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2
Q

What problems with the eye can cause this? (3)

A

Problems with:

  1. Lipid layer: stability (meibomian glands)
  2. Aqueous layer: volume (lacrimal glands)
  3. Mucous layer: wetability (conjunctival goblet cells)
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3
Q

What causes this? (4)

A
  1. Drugs (topical, oral e.g. anticholinergics)
  2. Eye disease (blepharitis, conjunctivitis)
  3. Autoimmune disease: Sjogrens syndrome ass. RA)
  4. Mechanical problems: 7th nerve palsy, lid notches, contact lenses
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4
Q

What is the function of tears?

What are they made of?

A

Lubricate and oxygenate the ocular surface

Spread over cornea by blinking
Oils, antibodies, lactoferrin, lysozyme, mucin

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5
Q

What are the types of tears?

A
Basal tears (constant production)
Reflex (corneal irritation, emotional response)
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6
Q

What are the symptoms of a dry eye?

A
Insidious onset
Feel 'dry', gritty, burning
Struggle to open in the morning
Watering (epiphora -  reflex to dry spots)
Blurred vision (need to blink)
Recurrent infection
Unable to wear contact lenses
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7
Q

What are the signs?

A

Mildly red eye

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8
Q

What is the management?

A
Drug history and stop causative medications
Contact lens wear
Explain mechanism
Frequent topical lubricants
Blinking (increase blinking)
Eye protection
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