The Red Eye Flashcards
Where can you see redness of the eye?
- Eyelids
- Conjunctiva/episclera/sclera
- Cornea
- Anterior chamber
- Anterior uvea
- Posterior uvea/retina
- Retrobulbar area
How might we get red eyelids?
Loss of protective effect
Loss of oily part of the tear film from meibomian glands
Contact problems: eyelid hairs or masses
What causes hyperaemia?
Irritation of the white of the eyes
What causes vascularisation?
Corneal irritation
What are the characteristics of conjunctival blood vessels?
Dichotomous branching
Dilation of the vessels and separation of endothelial cells
- Hyperemia
- Oedema
What are the characteristics of episcleral vessels?
No dichotomous branching
Larger
Meander
What do episcleral vessels indicate?
Intraocular disease mostly (uveitis and glaucoma)
Sever or chronic surface irritations in some cases.
What are the 4 layers of the cornea in order?
- Epithelium
- Storma
- Descemet’s membrane
- Endothelium
What are the char of the corneal epithelium?
It is hydrophobic, does not have blood vessels when healthy and has nerves
What are the characteristics of the stroma?
It is hydrophilic and stays relatively dehydrated due tot the actions of the epithelium (acting as a passive barrier) and the endothelium (which actively pumps fluid back into the anterior chamber). This allows the stroma to stay transparent.
What occurs when the stroma is overhydrated?
Corneal oedema
What a re the characteristics of the decement’s memebrane?
A thin collagen layer acting as a basement membrane for the endothelium.
What are the causes of corneal odema and give the pathophysiology…
1) Uveitis/Glaucoma
2) Lens luxation
3) Primary degeneration
All of the above lead to endothelial failure and allow for the over hydration of the stroma and thus corneal oedema
What us the iridocorneal angle?
An angle formed by the iris and cornea to allow for drainage of the aqueous humour from the eye by pumping fluid into the episcleral vessels.
Describe the route of aqueous humour…
Ciliary body -> Posterior chamber -> Pupil -> Anterior chamber -> ICA/uvea/sclera -> out