Visual Problems Flashcards
Conjuctivitis
pink eye d/t bacterial, fungal, or viral infection
- transmitted through direct contact
- chemical irritation
- ranges from mild to severe
Conjuctivitis: S/Sx
erythema tearing discharge (water, purulent, mucoid) pruritis burning photophobia
Conjuctivitis: Tx
Rx topical antibiotic (gtts or ointments)
*antihistamine for allergic response to antibiotic
Blepharitis
chronic irritation of eyelid margins d/t staph or seborrhea (dandruff)
Sx: red-rimmed eye w or w/o drainage, crusting of lid margins.
Tx: baby shampoo to keep area clean, warm compress, potentially dandruff shampoo
Stye (hordeolum)
inflammation or infection of superficial lid margin (staph)
Sx: red, swollen, tender area
Tx: warm compresses (continuous or at least 20 min QID), may need antibiotic ointment
Chalazion
chronic inflammation of the meibomian gland
Sx: swollen, non-painful red area of lid (upper lid is more common)
Tx: warm compresses, may need to surgically remove
Keratitis
inflammation or infection of cornea from organisms or excessive dryness.
Need to prevent corneal ulcer or scarring.
viral: from herpes simplex
noninfectious from extended wear of contact lenses
trauma: corneal scratch, etc
exposure to intense light
epithelial damage caused by contact lenses, nutritional def, immunosuppressed
Cataract: Definition and Cause
opacification or clouding of the lens of the eye which interferes with light transmission to the retina and the ability to perceive images clearly
Cause:
- Senile cataracts d/t agin process (begins around 50yo)
- Congenital: first trimester infections, pregnant pt’s who were exposed to mumps, measles, hepatitis, mono, chicken pox, then kids are going to have high risk factors for visual problems when born
- Trauma
Cataract: Risk Factors
- UV rays
- systemic or topical corticosteroid use
- DM
- ETOH
- smoking
Cataract: S/Sx
Unilateral or bilateral
Early Sx: blurred vision, decreased color perception, glare or halos around light. Difficulty with hs driving.
Late Sx: diplopia, absence of red reflex, white pupil, decreased vision progressing to blindness
Cataract: Interventions
Corrective lens, then surgery
Surgery = same day with local anesthetic
- preoperatively: nurse instills anti-inflammatory, dilating, and paralyzing drops
- intraoperatively: lens is replaced with another lens
- postoperatively: patch worn overnight, removed next day by MD at f/u appt in office
no stitches needed as IOP seals eye
education:
- avoid activities that increase IOP for 1 week
- continue eye gtts
- cornea may be cloudy
- vision should be almost normal but may need glasses for near vision
- call or go to ER for sudden severe eye pain or brow pain (signs of increased IOP or hemorrhage)
- primary prevention = wear sunglasses with UV filter, wear hat.
Activities that Increase IOP
lifting more than 5lbs straining (like when you have BM) coughing sneezing bending stooping
Retina
contains photoreceptors which allow for perception of light and initial processing of images and stimuli for transmission to the optic center of brain.
Disruption of retina interferes with light perception and image transmission and may result in blindness.
Retinal Detachment: Definition and Cause
separation of retina (sensory portion) from the choroid (vascular layer), can start as a tear then progress to full detachment
Cause: trauma, cancer, inflammation
-usually spontaneous d/t shrinking of VH which pulls retina away
Retinal Detachment: Risk factors
aging
myopia (near-sightedness)
aphakia (lens removal)