Pharmacy Practice: Eye and Ear Preparations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of earwax in the ear canal?

To produce sound waves

To clean, lubricate, and protect the lining of the ear canal (correct)

To aid in the digestion of food

To regulate body temperature

What is a common cause of corneal ulcers?

Otitis externa

Earwax buildup in the ear canal

A foreign body caught under the eyelid (correct)

Glue ear in children

What is the recommended treatment for severe ulcers and keratitis caused by infection?

Topical creams

Antibiotic eye drops or ointment

Assessment and treatment by specialists at an eye hospital (correct)

Surgery

What is the effect of using cotton wool buds to clean the ear canal?

It pushes the wax further into the ear Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of earwax blocking the ear?

Temporary deafness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of unblocking the ear canal?

Using ear drops to soften wax Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for using ear drops to soften earwax?

Previous perforation of the tympanic membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of painful red eyes that need to be referred to the general practitioner?

Corneal ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What is an alternative to sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops for softening earwax?

Olive oil or almond oil drops Signup and view all the answers

What is the membrane that covers the anterior white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids?

Conjunctiva Signup and view all the answers

What is the common feature of viral conjunctivitis?

Cough and cold Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual duration of acute bacterial conjunctivitis?

2-5 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the term that describes inflammation of the conjunctiva?

Conjunctivitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of conjunctivitis?

Eye redness Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of red eyes in conjunctivitis?

Dilatation of blood vessels over the sclera Signup and view all the answers

What is the question that should be asked to patients with red eyes to determine the cause?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes blepharitis from conjunctivitis?

Chronicity of the condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of good eyelid hygiene in the management of blepharitis?

To control symptoms and prevent complications Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary symptom of corneal ulcers?

Pain due to the exquisite sensitivity of the cornea Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of keratitis in soft contact lens wearers?

Acanthamoeba infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of early diagnosis in corneal ulcers?

It prevents permanent scarring of the cornea with loss of sight Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying condition often associated with blepharitis?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical presentation of keratitis?

Unilateral, acutely painful red eye Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using baby shampoo diluted 1:10 with warm water in the management of blepharitis?

To clean the eyelids and prevent complications Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to the ear drops before using them?

Warm the drops by letting the bottle stand in the room for about half an hour Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after pouring a few drops into the affected ear?

Lie with the affected ear uppermost for 2-3 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of using ear drops to soften earwax?

Transient hearing loss, discomfort, dizziness, and skin irritation Signup and view all the answers

How often may regular use of ear drops be helpful in preventing earwax buildup?

Once a week Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if any wax remains after using ear drops?

Referral to the doctor or nurse is advisable Signup and view all the answers

What is otitis media?

An infection of the middle ear compartment Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for pain relief in otitis media?

Ibuprofen or paracetamol Signup and view all the answers

What is glue ear also known as?

Serous otitis media Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method of cleansing the outside of affected eye(s) with conjunctivitis?

Gentle cleansing with cotton wool soaked in water Signup and view all the answers

When should contact lenses be worn again after an episode of conjunctivitis?

When the infection has completely cleared and 48 hours after treatment has been completed Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of treatment for acute bacterial conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 2 years or over?

5 days Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of allergic conjunctivitis?

Itchy eyes Signup and view all the answers

When is referral to the GP surgery indicated for conjunctivitis?

If symptoms persist for longer than 1 week Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for allergic conjunctivitis due to hay fever, if there are other symptoms related to allergic rhinitis?

Oral anti-histamines and nasal corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic symptom of blepharitis?

Itchy, stinging and sticky eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between infective and allergic conjunctivitis?

Presence of itchiness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eye and Ear Preparations

Red Eye

Conjunctivitis: a common condition causing red eyes, due to infection, allergy, or irritation
Symptoms: eye redness, discharge, pain, gritty feeling, photophobia, and change in vision
Referral to GP surgery is necessary if:
- Eye pain and change in vision are significant features
- Patient wears contact lenses
Causes of red eye:
- Conjunctivitis (infective, allergic, or irritative)
- Corneal ulcers
- Keratitis
- Iritis/uveitis
- Glaucoma

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane covering the anterior white part of the eye (sclera) and the inside of the eyelids
Two main features: eye redness and discharge
Infective conjunctivitis:
- Caused by bacteria or viruses
- Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause and usually does not require treatment
Management:
- Gentle cleansing of the outside of affected eye(s) with cotton wool soaked in water
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used for bacterial conjunctivitis
- Contact lenses should not be worn until the infection has completely cleared and 24 hours after treatment has been completed

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Produces irritation and a watery discharge
Itchiness may be a significant feature, and the conjunctiva over the whites of the eyes may be swollen
Management:
- Oral anti-histamines and nasal corticosteroids may relieve eye symptoms if there are other symptoms related to allergic rhinitis
- Referral to the GP surgery is needed if there is doubt between infection and allergy

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the margin of the eyelids
Characteristic symptoms: itchy, stinging, and sticky eyes
Management:
- Urgent referral to the optometrist or GP
- A short course of antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be supplied to prevent secondary infection

Ear Problems

Earwax

A normal physiological substance in the ear canal
Aids removal of skin debris, cleans, lubricates, and protects the lining of the ear canal
Excessive build-up of hard earwax can develop in some people
Symptoms:
- Wax blocking the ear, causing temporary deafness
- Discomfort, sensation of the ear being blocked
- Rarely, dizziness and nausea
Management:
- Ear drops to soften wax (olive oil or almond oil drops or sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops)
- Ear irrigation may be necessary if wax remains despite treatment

Otitis Externa

Inflammation of the outer ear canal
Symptoms: pain, itching, discharge
Referral to the GP surgery is needed if:
- There is severe pain or discharge
- The ear is severely affected or if there are signs of infection (e.g., fever, swelling, redness)

Corneal Ulcers

Inflammation of the cornea, often with infection
Symptoms:
- Pain
- Surrounding scleral inflammation
Causes:
- Infection or traumatic abrasion
Management:
- Urgent referral to an eye specialist
- Topical antibiotics may be needed

Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea
Symptoms:
- Unilateral, acutely painful red eye
- Discomfort from bright light (photophobia)
Causes:
- Herpes simplex virus
- Bacterial infection
Management:
- Urgent referral to an eye specialist
- Antiviral medication may be needed

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers common pharmacy practices related to eye and ear preparations, including red eye conditions and management. It's essential for pharmacy students and professionals to understand the basics of conjunctivitis and its treatment.