Eyes

chapter 28 Eyes




HISTORY


The history involves both a specific ocular history and a comprehensive general history. Often the patient is distressed: they greatly fear losing their sight, and having the eyes touched is often psychologically threatening and physically uncomfortable.










OCULAR EXAMINATION FOR GENERAL PRACTITIONERS


Equipment required:










STRUCTURED EXAMINATION








OCULAR CONDITIONS




RED EYE


Red eye is very common and covers a broad spectrum of anterior segment diagnoses.



Conjunctivitis


Conjunctival inflammation is the predominant feature. Patients present with a red eye and mucopurulent discharge. The eyelids commonly become ‘stuck together’ overnight and difficult to open on waking. Ocular discomfort varies from surface irritation (e.g. sandiness/grittiness) to pain.


Signs include generalised conjunctival erythema, swelling and discharge. The conjunctiva develops distinct papillae (lymphoid tissue with a central vascular core) or follicles (collection of chronic inflammatory cells), depending on the aetiology. Vision is usually unaffected.


The multiple aetiologies, often separable by history, symptoms and discharge, include those described below.



Common







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Jun 3, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL SURGERY | Comments Off on Eyes

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