Red Eye: Dry Eye (D&T) Flashcards
1
Q
What is dry eye?
A
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
2
Q
What problems with the eye can cause this? (3)
A
Problems with:
- Lipid layer: stability (meibomian glands)
- Aqueous layer: volume (lacrimal glands)
- Mucous layer: wetability (conjunctival goblet cells)
3
Q
What causes this? (4)
A
- Drugs (topical, oral e.g. anticholinergics)
- Eye disease (blepharitis, conjunctivitis)
- Autoimmune disease: Sjogrens syndrome ass. RA)
- Mechanical problems: 7th nerve palsy, lid notches, contact lenses
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
5
Q
What are the types of tears?
A
Basal tears (constant production) Reflex (corneal irritation, emotional response)
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
7
Q
What are the signs?
A
Mildly red eye
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