Comprehensive Overview of Ophthalmic Symptoms and Management
Document9 pagesB.Pharm, Pharm.D
Loading…
About this document
Detailed guide on common eye symptoms, causes, clinical features, and appropriate management or referral for various ophthalmic conditions.
- ophthalmology
- ophthalmic symptoms
- eye disorders
- clinical management
- patient referral
Text of these pages
- Page 1. OPTHALMIC SYMPTOMS Ophthalmic symptoms are complaints related to the eyes and vision. Common symptoms include: 1. Redness of the eye 2. Pain 3. Itching 4. Watering 5. Discharge 6. Photophobia (sensitivity to light) 7. Blurred vision 8. Foreign body sensation 9. Dryness 10. Floaters Proper evaluation of these symptoms helps identify the underlying eye disorder and determine whether self-care, pharmacist intervention, or urgent ophthalmologic referral is needed. Symptom/Condit ion Description Causes Common Clinical Features Management/Ref erral
- Page 2. Red Eye (Conjunctivitis) Redness of the eye due to dilation of conjunctival vessels or bleeding beneath the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis Blepharitis Corneal abrasion Foreign body Keratitis Iritis (Uveitis) Glaucoma Scleritis Redness, eye discharge, pain, itching, watering, photophobia, visual changes Depends on cause; refer if severe pain or visual impairment Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic inflammation of conjunctiva caused by pollen, dust, etc. Seasonal, and usually bilatera Associated with allergic disorders such as Asthma Atopic dermatitis Bilateral red itchy eyes, tearing, burning, sneezing, runny nose, itchy palate Avoid allergens, Cold compresses, artificial tears, antihistamines (Ketotifen Levocabastine ), mast-cell stabilizers, Topical decongestants (Naphazoline Tetrahydrozoline Oxymetazoline ), Prescription drugs (Sodium cromoglycate
- Page 3. Nedocromil Ketorolac eye drops ) Bacterial Conjunctivitis Bacterial infection of conjunctiva Eyes glued shut upon waking Copious Purulent discharge, sticky eyelids on waking, redness, foreign body sensation, Mild to moderate pain Reduced vision Prescription antibiotic eye drops; physician referral Blepharitis Chronic inflammation of eyelid margins Itchy, gritty eyes, eyelid redness, crusting, swollen eyelids Lid hygiene, Lid massage , warm compresses, antibiotics if severe Episcleritis Inflammation of episclera (layer between Associated with RA Sectoral or diffuse redness, mild discomfort Usually self-limiting; NSAIDs or steroids if severe
- Page 4. conjunctiva and sclera) Herpes Simplex Eye Infection Viral infection caused by HSV-1 Pain, redness, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision, eyelid vesicles Antiviral therapy - Trifluridine 1% eye drops Oral Acyclovir Oral Valacyclovir Oral Famciclovir ; immediate referral Marginal Keratitis Inflammation of peripheral cornea Chronic staphylococcal blepharitis Painful red eye, photophobia, blurred vision, mucopurulent discharge, Foreign body sensation Ophthalmology referral; topical steroids Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Bleeding beneath conjunctiva Spontaneous rupture of vessels Trauma Anticoagulant use Bleeding disorders Bright red patch on sclera, usually painless Self-resolves in 7–14 days; treat underlying cause, Warm compresses
- Page 5. Uveitis (Iritis) Inflammation of iris, ciliary body, or choroid Pain, redness, photophobia, blurred vision, watering Urgent referral; steroid eye drops Arcus Senilis Lipid deposition in peripheral cornea. White-gray ring around the peripheral cornea. Lipid deposition in the cornea. Bilateral Common in elderly White-gray ring around cornea, usually asymptomatic Lipid profile if age <50 years Dry Eye Syndrome Reduced tear production or excessive evaporation Aging Sjögren syndrome Computer use Environmental factors Medications - Oral contraceptives Antihistamines Beta-blockers Dryness, burning, soreness, foreign body sensation Artificial tears, humidifiers, cyclosporine drops
- Page 6. Floaters Shadows from clumped vitreous fibers Clumping of vitreous fibers. Dark specks, cobweb-like objects moving in vision. Floating spots, Moving shadows Refer if sudden onset or associated flashes of light Nevus Pigmented or non-pigmented conjunctival mole. Flat or slightly raised pigmented lesion Usually harmless; refer if enlarging Stye (Hordeolum) Infection of eyelash follicle (usually Staphylococcus) Staphylococcus species Painful localized eyelid swelling, redness Warm compresses; antibiotics if persistent Trichiasis Inward growth of eyelashes Complications - Corneal abrasion Eye irritation Visual problems Eye irritation, tearing, corneal abrasion, visual disturbance Epilation - removal with forceps , cryotherapy, electrolysis
- Page 7. Watery Eyes (Epiphora) Excessive tear production Allergies Infection Blepharitis Excessive tearing, irritation Treat underlying cause (allergy, infection, etc.) Xanthelasma Cholesterol-rich yellow plaques on eyelids Indicate: Hypercholesterole mia Hyperlipidemia Yellowish eyelid plaques, usually bilateral Lipid profile evaluation Foreign Body in Eye Presence of external material in eye Sharp pain, burning, tearing, redness, scratching sensation Eye irrigation; urgent referral if vision affected
