Treatments measures for eye disorders Flashcards
WHAT IS MEANT BY DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
the process by which a doctor differentiates between two or more conditions that could be causing a patient’s symptoms.
conjunctivitis
the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent
membrane that covers the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball.
When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become irritated
and swollen, they become more visible, causing the eye to appear reddish or pink
note that it rarely affects vision
types of conjunctivitis
viral
bacterial
allergic
the most common one is viral
is conjunctivitis contagious
yes it can spread
the main points about bacterial conjunctivitis
Thick, yellow or green discharge, often causing the eyelids to stick together (especially after sleep).
Redness and swelling in one or both eyes.
May cause mild pain or discomfort.
Symptoms appear quickly and can resolve within a few days to a week, especially with antibiotic treatment.
Highly contagious
less contagious than viral
Normally affects only one eye compared to the other types of conjunctivitis
what causes bacterial conjunctivitis
Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species.
what causes viral conjunctivitis
adenoviruses
main points on viral conjunctivitis
Watery discharge from the eye.
Redness and irritation in one or both eyes.
Often associated with cold-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose).
Tends to start in one eye and spread to the other.
Symptoms develop gradually and can last from 1 to 2 weeks.
Highly contagious.
main points on allergic conjunctivitis
Itching is the main symptom.
Watery discharge (not thick or pus-like).
Redness and swelling in both eyes.
Accompanied by other allergy symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose.
Symptoms occur seasonally or when exposed to allergens and improve with antihistamines.
Not contagious.
pruritus
severe itching of the skin due to several ailments
treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis
Treat with topical antibiotics advise the person to initiate topical antibiotics if symptoms have not resolved within 3 days
Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops — apply 1 drop 2 hourly for 2 days, then reduce frequency depending on the severity of infection.
Chloramphenicol 1% ointment —apply 3-4 times daily.
Fusidic acid 1% eye drops — apply 1 drop twice daily. (POM)
normally resolves itself within 5–7 days without treatment.
for the chloramphenicol eye drops and ointments, alongside the fusidic ointments, continue use until after 48 hours when the infection clears.
treatment for viral conjunctivitis
Use artificial tears and cool compresses to relieve discomfort.
Maintain good hygiene: wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes, and don’t share towels or personal items to prevent spreading.
In severe cases, topical corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce inflammation, but this is rare.
note there is not antiviral treatment allocated to this
treatments for allergic conjunctivitis
Avoid exposure to allergens (e.g., pollen, dust, pet dander).
Use antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops(like sodium cromiglicate) to relieve itching and redness.
Artificial tears can help wash away allergens and soothe irritation.
Cold compresses may reduce swelling and discomfort.
topical corticosteroids for short-term use.
mast cells release histamine as a mediator during allergic reactions( a form of defensive by the immune system)
which types of conjunctivitis is photophobia a symptom of
viral and sometimes allergic
generally not a symptom for bacterial
some red flags for conjunctivitis in general
Severe or persistent eye pain.
Significant vision changes (e.g., blurred or loss of vision).
Photophobia (extreme light sensitivity).
Unilateral severe redness or redness extending beyond the conjunctiva.
Thick pus-like discharge that persists despite treatment.
History of recent eye surgery or
trauma.
Contact lens wearers with worsening symptoms.
Corneal involvement (e.g., pain, vision changes).
Swollen preauricular lymph nodes.
No improvement after treatment within a few days.
