Ophthalmology Flashcards
(138 cards)
Conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva (thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the sclera of the eye)
Conjunctivitis signs/symptoms
Unilateral or bilateral Red eyes Bloodshot Itchy or gritty sensation Discharge from the eye NO PAIN, PHOTOPHOBIA OR REDUCED VISUAL ACUTITY
Bacterial Conjunctivitis signs/symptoms
- Purulent discharge
- Inflamed conjunctiva (red eye)
- worse in the morning when the eyes may be stuck together.
- It usually starts in one eye and then can spread to the other
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Mx
Swab before or after
Topical antibiotic usually chloramphenicol qds (Drops vs ointment)
- Chloramphenicol 0.5% drops: treats most bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Fusidic acid: treats Staph. aureus
- Gentamicin: treats most Gram negative bacteria including coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Chlamydial conjunctivitis - signs/symptoms
bilateral conjunctivitis in young adults
Follicular appearance – little grains of rice
Eventually becomes sub tarsal scars if not treated – chronic scarring of the lid
• May or may not have symptoms of urethritis, vaginitis
Chlamydial conjunctivitis Mx
Topical oxytetracycline but adults may also need oral azithromycin treatment (now doxycycline) for genital chlamydia infection
Viral conjunctivitis signs/symptoms
Clear discharge e.g. watery eye
Associated with other symptoms of a viral infection such as dry cough, sore throat and blocked nose.
You may find tender preauricular lymph nodes (in front of the ears).
viral conjunctivitis Mx
supportive unless ramsay-hunt syndrome: aciclovir
allergic conjunctivitis Mx
Antihistamines (oral or topical) can be used to reduce symptoms e.g. emedastine or olopatadine
Topical mast-cell stabilisers can be used in patients with chronic seasonal symptoms e.g. sodium cromoglicate
Keratitis causes
Viral infection with herpes simplex and adenovirus
Bacterial infection with pseudomonas or staphylococcus
Fungal infection with candida or aspergillus
Contact lens acute red eye (CLARE)
Exposure keratitis is caused by inadequate eyelid coverage (e.g. eyelid ectropion)
Keratitis signs/symptoms
Painful red eye (needle like and severe)
Photophobia
Opacity
Vesicles around the eye
Foreign body sensation
Watering eye (Epiphora (excess lacrimation))
Reduced visual acuity. This can vary from subtle to significant.
Bacterial keratitis signs/symptoms
Specific signs/symptoms: Hypopyon (inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber of the eye): White and risk of perforation if allowed to continue
Bacterial keratitis Mx
A 4-quinolone (Ofloxacin)
Gentamicin and cefuroxime
Viral keratitis
Dendritic ulcer
Very painful
Can be recurrent
Recurrences eventually result in reduced corneal sensation
Viral keratitis Ix
Fluorescence and slit lamp: dendritic corneal ulcer
Corneal swabs or scrapings can be used to isolate the virus using a viral culture or PCR.
Viral keratitis Mx
Aciclovir (topical or oral)
Ganciclovir eye gel
Topical steroids may be used alongside antivirals to treat stromal keratitis. Be careful not to cause corneal melt
Adenoviral keratitis – subepithelial infiltrates
Think it is immune mediated reaction – not an actual virus in their eye
Fungi keratitis signs/symptoms and Mx
Often corneal lesions more defined than its bacterial counterpart
Hypopyon
those who were outside
Mx:
Topical anti-fungals (natamycin amphotericin)
Keratitis– contact lenses
Acanthamoeba (protozoa)
extremely painful
Orbital Cellulitis
Orbital cellulitis is inflammation of eye tissues behind the orbital septum.
Orbital Cellulitis signs/symptoms
- Sudden onset of unilateral swelling of conjunctiva and lids
- Painful – especially on eye movements
- Proptosis – pushing eye forward
- Often associated with paranasal sinusitis
- Pyrexia and severe malaise
- Sight threatening – if pressing on optic nerve
- Relative afferent pupillary defect
pre-orbital vs orbital
pain on eye movement, reduced eye movements, changes in vision, abnormal pupil reactions and forward movement of the eyeball (proptosis).
Orbital cellulitis Mx
Orbital Medical Emergency: Transfer to hospital immediately and refer to ENT and/or Ophthalmology.
- Ceftriaxone IV 2g bd + Flucloxacillin IV 2g qds + Metronidazole IV 500mg tds (Penicillin allergy: seek advice)
- Step down to Co-amoxiclav PO 625mg tds (10-14 days total)
Surgery
Periorbital cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis (also known as preorbital cellulitis) is an eyelid and skin infection in front of the orbital septum (in front of the eye).