The Wet Eye Flashcards
What is Epiphora?
overflow of tears onto the face
What causes Epiphora? (2)
Increased tearing > increased stimulus of trigeminal nerve > foreign body, ulcer etc.
Drainage problems - eyelid abnormalities, prolapse of the gland, blockage of nasolacrimal system
What are the three components of tears?
Briefly describe what their role is and where the component is produced.
Lipid- reduces evaporation, Meibomian Glands
Aqueous- nourishment, Lacrimal & Accessory glands
Mucin- helps aqueous part adhere to corneal surface, Goblet Cells
What is Trichiasis?
normal hairs touching the cornea - they curl in and cause irritation
What is Distichiasis?
hairs that come from meibomian glands to irritate
What are Ectopic Cilia?
Hairs that protrude from the conjunctiva (inside the eyelid)
What is Lymphoplasmacytic Keratitis? What distinguishes it from other keratitis’?
Type of chronic superficial keratitis- only keratitis with lymphocyte involvement shown on cytology
What is Plasmoma?
Lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate on the nictitans membrane (the 3rd eyelid)
How are eyelid masses dealt with?
If it affects less than 1/3 of the eyelid margin- use an inverted house suture technique to remove it and then close it in 2 layers
What do we do if an eyelid mass affects over 1/3 of the eyelid margin?
Referral!
What is important to implement when removing an eyelid mass?
Ensure sutures don’t rub on the eye to further irritate
What is Euryblepharon?
enlarged eyelid (bleph= eyelid)
What is the difference between entropion and ectropion?
Entropion- eyelid rolls in leading to hairs rubbing on the cornea
Ectropion- eyelid rolls away from the eye
What is diamond eye?
Combination of Entropion and Ectropion (usually due to large amounts of loose skin)
Why are Brachycephalic dogs more prone to eye conditions?
Because they’re bred to have large whites of their eyes meaning they suffer from Macroblepharon (excessive eyelid length and a protruding eye)
How do we resolve Entropion in domestic animals?
Tacking sutures (young animals too young to undergo definitive surgery)
What causes an increased prevalence of entropion in an animal?
Breed predisposition
Age- elderly dogs/ cats are predisposed due to laxity of tissues and loss of retrobulbar fat
What is Blepharospasm?
involuntary tight closure of the eyelids- means PAIN
How is Blepharospasm treated?
Apply 1 drop f Proxymetacaine (topical anaesthetic) if it persists then it needs surgical correction
How are Blepharospasm and Entropion related?
Entropion > Corneal Irritation > Blepharospasm
What does a Nasolacrimal Blockage suggest?
Orbital or Nasal Disease such as Dacryocystitis (inflammatory condition of the lacrimal sac)
How do we diagnose Nasolacrimal Blockages?
Jones Test- Fluorescein in the eye and measure the transit time through the nostril
How are orbital diseases linked to nasolacrimal blockages?
Mass in the retrobulbar space can lead to a compressed nasal cavity
