SPM- Acute Red Eye Flashcards
What is blepharitis?
Chronic inflammation of the eye lid margins
What causes blepharitis?
Blockage of the meibomian glands with infection (usually staph aureus or epidermis)
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Sore eyes
Gritty sensation in the eyes
Dry eyes
What are some complications of blepharitis?
Marginal keratitis
Secondary conjunctivitis
Meibomian cyst
What is a stye?
Infected hair follicle on the eye lid- always self limiting
What is the treatment for blepharitis?
Lid hygiene Warm compress Anti-biotic ointment- reduce bacterial load Lubricants- relive abrasion and dry eyes Low dose tetracycline (e.g. doxycycline)
What is an entropion?
In turning of the eye lid
What is an ectropion?
Eversion of the lower eye lid
What are the causative organisms of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Staph
Strep
Haemophilus species
What are the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Slight discomfort
Red sticky eye
Visual acuity only affected due to discharge on the surface
What is the treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?
Frequent ABx if bacterial- will go on it’s own anyway
Want to prevent spread to others- don’t share towels, wash hands regularly
Which is the most common cause of conjunctivitis?
Viral- often adenovirus (preceding URTI)
What are the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?
Red eye
Watery eyes (not sticky yellow like bacterial)
Gritty and uncomfortable feeling
What are some examination findings for viral conjunctivitis?
Conjunctival injection
Associated URTI
Enlarged pre-auricular lymph node- suggests adenovirus cause
What is the treatment for viral conjunctivitis?
None
Anti-biotic drops to prevent secondary bacterial infection
Highly contagious so prevent spread e.g. don’t share towel