CC of Eyes and Ears Flashcards
(92 cards)
What is special condition applicable to eye drops but not ear drops?
The eyes are more sensitive than the ears. Eye drops can be used in the ear, but never use ear drops in the eyes
Why can’t ear drops be used in the eyes?
The ear drops may not have an appropriate pH, may not be isotonic and may not be sterile
What is the meaning of the abbreviation AD?
Right ear
What is the meaning of the abbreviation AS?
Left ear
What is the meaning of the abbreviation AU?
Each ear
What is the meaning of the abbreviation OD?
Right eye
What is the meaning of the abbreviation OS?
Left eye
What is the meaning of the abbreviation OU?
Each eye
For eye and ear solutions, how many mL/s is one drop?
1 drop = 0.05 mL
What is a counseling point of eye and ear suspensions?
Shake well
What is a counseling point of ointments?
Apply to the conjunctival sac or over lid margins (for blepharitis). Ointments can make vision blurry. Do not use with contact lenses
What is a counseling point of eye and ear gels?
With cap on, invert and shake once to get the medication into the tip before instilling into the eye
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that results in damage to the optic nerve and loss of the visual field. In most cases, the intraocular pressure is above the normal range
What is normal range of intraocular pressure?
12 -22 mmHg
What are some drugs that can increase IOP?
Anticholinergics, cough, cold and motion sickness medications, chronic steroids, topiramate
What is the goal of treatment of glaucoma?
To reduce IOP
What are the two main forms of glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure or closed-angle glaucoma
How does open-angle glaucoma present?
Open-angle glaucoma often presents without symptoms and is treated without symptoms and is treated with eye drops or surgery
How does closed-angle glaucoma present?
Closed-angle glaucoma is a sharp, sudden increase in IOP due to blockage. This type of glaucoma usually presents with eye pain, headaches and decreased vision and is a medical emergency that is treated surgically
How do glaucoma treatments decrease IOP?
Glaucoma treatments decrease IOP by targeting the aqueous humor (fluid in the eye) either by reducing aqueous humor production (make less fluid) or increase aqueous humor outflow (move fluid out)
What is commonly used for initial treatment of glaucoma?
Prostaglandin (PG) analogs are used commonly as initial treatment. PG analogs are the most effective drugs at decreasing IOP (about 30%); they are safe and used once daily
What is another common class of drugs that can treat glaucoma?
Ophthalmic beta-blockers decrease IOP by about 22%
When is a beta-blocker preferred for the treatment of glaucoma over PG analogs?
A beta-blocker is preferable if the pressure is high in one eye only because the darkening of the iris and eyelash thickening seen with PG analogs is not desirable in only one eye
What is key in adequate treatment of glaucoma?
Adequate treatment requires good eye drop technique and a high level of adherence. Counseling on proper administration technique and the importance of adherence is critical