The acute red eye Flashcards
What is blepharitis?
Inflammation of the eyelids
What are the two causes of anterior blepharitis?
Seborrhoeic
Staphylococcal
What is the cause of posterior blepharitis?
Meibomian gland dysfunction
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
Similar to conjunctivitis
Gritty eyes
Foreign body sensation
Mild discharge
What are the signs associated with sebhorroeic blepharitis?
Red lid margin
Dandruff
Scales on eyelashes
What are the signs associated with staphylococcal blepharitis?
Lid margin red
Lashes distorted, loss of lashes, ingrowing lashes - trichiasis
Styes, ulcers of lid margin
Corneal staining, marginal ulcers (due to exotoxin)
What skin condition is associated with posterior blepharitis?
Acne rosacea
What are the signs of posterior blepharitis?
Lid margin skin and lashes unaffected
Meibomian gland openings pouting & swollen
Dried secretion at gland openings
Meibomian Cysts (chalazia)
What is the treatment for blepharitis?
Lid hygiene – daily bathing / warm compresses
Supplementary tear drops
Oral doxycycline for 2-3 months
What is the cause of follicular conjunctivitis?
Viral infection
Chlamydial infection
What are the symptoms of a corneal ulcer?
Pain - needle-like, severe
Photophobia
Profuse lacrimation
Vision may be reduced
Red eye - circumcorneal
What are the signs of a corneal ulcer?
Redness – circumcorneal
Corneal reflex (reflection abnormal)
Corneal opacity
Hypopyon
What is the treatment for corneal ulcer?
Identify cause – ‘corneal scrape’ for gram stain and culture
Antimicrobial if bacterial infection
Antiviral if herpetic (Aciclovir ointment 5 x day)
Anti-inflammatory if autoimmune
What are the symptoms of anterior uveitis?
Pain (+ referred pain)
Vision may be reduced
Photophobia
Red eye (circumcorneal)
What are the signs of anterior uveitis?
Ciliary injection (i.e. circum-corneal )
Cells & flare in anterior chamber
Keratic precipitates
Hypopyon
Synechiae (small or irregular pupil)
