Ophthalmic Disorders

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Ophthalmic Disorders
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Eye Anatomy and Physiology

• The eyelids contain glandular tissue that
  secrete the bulk of nonstimulated tears
• The eyelids force the flow of tears toward
  drainage canals which form the lacrimal sac
  between the inner eyelid and nose
• The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent tissue
  that covers the sclera

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Dry Eye

• Most common disorder
• Associated with aging, lid defects, Sjogrens
  syndrome, anticholinergics, environmental
  conditions

• Characterized by white or mildly red eye
• Sandy, gritty feeling
• Excess tearing of inadequate tears

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Treatment- Artificial Tears

• Vary in viscosity
• Stabilize tear film, which retards evaporation
• Recommend 1 drop twice a day or up to hourly as
  needed

• Preparations without preservatives are less
  likely to cause irritation, but are more
  expensive
• PF products are preferred for patients with
  moderate to severe disease

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Administration Guidelines for Eyedrops

• Wash hands thoroughly
• Tilt head back
• Gently pull lower eyelid away from the eye to
  create a pouch
• Place dropper over eye by looking directly at it
• Just before applying a single drop, look up
• Release the eyelid slowly. Close eyes gently for
  3 minutes

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Administration Guidelines for Eyedrops
continued...

• Minimize blinking or squeezing the eyelid
• Use a finger to put gentle pressure over the
  opening of the tear duct
• Blot excessive solution
• Wait at least 5 min. before instilling the next
  drop.
• If using suspension, place that drop last

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Nonmedicated (Bland) Ophthalmic Ointments

• Composed of white petrolatum, mineral oil,
  lanolin
• Enhanced retention time in eye, which enhances
  integrity of tear film
• Administer at bedtime to avoid blurred vision
• Recommend PF to avoid hypersensitvity reactions

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Administration Guidelines for Eye Ointments

• Instill drops at least 10 min. before ointment
• With sweeping motion, place ¼ to ½ in. of
  ointment inside the lower eyelid
• Release eyelid slowly and close eyes gently for
  1-2 minutes
• Blot excessive ointment
• Vision may be blurred