Eagleview Eye Clinic

Tag Eye infection

MYDRIATIC DRUGS

👁️ Mydriatic drugs dilate the pupil (mydriasis) by relaxing the iris sphincter muscle. Used for exams, surgery, or treating inflammation.

Common examples:

  1. Phenylephrine (α-1 agonist)
    • Effect: Fast (30–60 min), short (3–6h).
    • Use: Diagnostic exams.
    • Risk: Hypertension, arrhythmia.
  2. Tropicamide (anticholinergic)
    • Effect: 30–45 min, lasts 4–6h.
    • Use: Routine dilation.
    • Risk: Blurred vision, photophobia.
  3. Atropine (strong, long-acting)
    • Effect: 1–2 weeks.
    • Use: Uveitis, amblyopia.
    • Risk: Prolonged blur, dry mouth.
  4. Cyclopentolate
    • Effect: 24–48h.
    • Use: Pediatric exams.
    • Risk: Behavioral changes in kids.

Precautions:

  • Avoid driving until pupils return to normal.
  • Glaucoma risk: Check IOP.
  • Monitor elderly/kids.
  • Side effects: Headache, stinging, dry eyes.

VISUAL AXIS

The visual axis is an imaginary line connecting the fixation point to the fovea centralis, passing through the nodal points of the eye.

Key points:

  1. Line of sight: Connects fixation point to fovea
  2. Important for: Understanding visual perception and eye alignment
  3. Used in: Ophthalmology, optometry, and vision science
MADDOX ROD

The Maddox rod is a cylindrical lens with parallel rods that convert a point source of light into a streak or line. It’s used in ophthalmology and optometry to assess and measure strabismus (misaligned eyes) and heterophoria (latent strabismus).

How it works:

  1. Light source: A point source of light is shone through the Maddox rod.
  2. Streak formation: The rods convert the light into a streak or line, which is perceived by the patient.
  3. Alignment assessment: The orientation and position of the streak relative to the other eye help diagnose and quantify deviations in eye alignment.

Types of Maddox rods:

  1. Single Maddox rod: Used to assess horizontal or vertical deviations.
  2. Double Maddox rod: Used to assess torsional deviations.

Clinical applications:

  1. Strabismus diagnosis: Helps diagnose and quantify esotropia, exotropia, hypertropia, and other types of strabismus.
  2. Heterophoria diagnosis: Detects latent strabismus, which can cause eye strain or other symptoms.
  3. Treatment planning: Guides treatment decisions, such as prism correction or strabismus surgery.

The Maddox rod is a valuable tool in ophthalmology and optometry, enabling practitioners to accurately diagnose and manage strabismus and heterophoria.

LASH EPILATION

Lash epilation refers to the removal of eyelashes, typically performed for medical or cosmetic reasons. Methods include:

  • Plucking: Removing individual lashes with tweezers.
  • Waxing: Applying wax to remove multiple lashes at once.
  • Threading: Using a thread to remove lashes.

Lash epilation can be used to:

  • Treat trichiasis: A condition where lashes grow inward, causing irritation.
  • Prepare for surgery: In some cases, lash removal may be necessary before eye surgery.
  • Cosmetic purposes: Some individuals may choose lash epilation for aesthetic reasons.

It’s essential to have lash epilation performed by a trained professional to minimize risks and ensure proper aftercare.

TRACHOMA

Trachoma

Trachoma is a:

  • Bacterial infection (Chlamydia trachomatis) affecting the eyes
  • Leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide

Symptoms

  1. Eye irritation: Redness, itching, discharge
  2. Follicles: On the underside of the upper eyelid
  3. Scarring: Can lead to vision loss and blindness

Transmission

  1. Direct contact: With infected eye discharge
  2. Indirect contact: Through contaminated objects or flies

Prevention

  1. Hygiene: Proper handwashing and face washing
  2. Sanitation: Improved access to clean water and sanitation
  3. Antibiotics: Mass treatment in endemic areas

Treatment

  1. Antibiotics: Azithromycin or tetracycline
  2. Surgery: To correct eyelid deformities or trichiasis (eyelashes rubbing against the cornea)

If you suspect trachoma, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can prevent long-term vision damage.

TRICHIASIS

Trichiasis

Trichiasis is a condition where eyelashes grow inward toward the eye, rubbing against the cornea or conjunctiva. This can cause:

  • Discomfort
  • Irritation
  • Corneal damage
  • Vision problems

Causes

  1. Infection: Certain infections, like trachoma.
  2. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the eyelids.
  3. Trauma: Injury to the eye or eyelid.
  4. Congenital: Some people are born with the condition.

Symptoms

  1. Eye irritation: Redness, itching, and discomfort.
  2. Corneal damage: Scratching or ulcers on the cornea.
  3. Vision problems: Blurred vision or sensitivity to light.

Treatment

  1. Epilation: Removing the misdirected eyelashes.
  2. Electrolysis: Permanent removal of eyelashes.
  3. Surgery: Procedures to correct eyelid malposition or remove scar tissue.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

IRIDOCYCLITIS

Iridocyclitis is an inflammation of the iris and ciliary body.

Causes are usually idiopathic in nature. But most times  it could be as a result of autoimmune conditions, infection or even trauma.

Signs and symptoms includes pains, red eyes, blurry vision, light sensitivity etc..

Delay in treatment can result in angle closure glaucoma, irregular pupil and vision loss.

Treatment is usually a combination of anticholinergic drugs and steroids.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE DISCHARGE FROM YOUR EYES,

When you have pus discharge from your eyes? You do the following:

1. Avoid touching the discharge with your hand or wiping with your handkerchief.

2. Use disposable wipes instead.

3. Ensure that your beddings are washed regularly, and soaked in antiseptic

4. Avoid sharing personal effects.

5. See your Optometrist.

EYE CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE RED EYES.

Often, lots of people treat red eyes with kid gloves. Yeah right, what’s so special about your eyes turning red anyway.

What people fail to understand is that many serious eye conditions present with red eye more times than often.

The following below are some of the major eye issues that can present with red eyes.

  1. Allergic conditions e.g vernal conjunctivitis
  2. Inflammatory conditions like uveitis, scleritis, keratitis
  3. Infectious conditions like bacterial conjunctivitis, infectious keratitis, panophthamitis, endopthamitis
  4. Close angle glaucoma.
  5. Refractive Errors like hyperopia, Astigmatism
  6. Traumatic conditions like hyphema.
  7. Others like dry eye syndrome, pterygium, computer vision syndrome. et.c

So when next you experience red eyes, just know that there may be more to it that meets the eyes.

EYE CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE RED EYES.

Often, lots of people treat red eyes with kid gloves. Yeah right, what’s so special about your eyes turning red anyway.

What people fail to understand is that many serious eye conditions present with red eye more times than often.

The following below are some of the major eye issues that can present with red eyes.

  1. Allergic conditions e.g vernal conjunctivitis
  2. Inflammatory conditions like uveitis, scleritis, keratitis
  3. Infectious conditions like bacterial conjunctivitis, infectious keratitis, panophthamitis, endopthamitis
  4. Close angle glaucoma.
  5. Refractive Errors like hyperopia, Astigmatism
  6. Traumatic conditions like hyphema.
  7. Others like dry eye syndrome, pterygium, computer vision syndrome. et.c

So when next you experience red eyes, just know that there may be more to it that meets the eyes.