Final Objectives.docx - Ophthalmic Otic Disorders 1 Define...

Ophthalmic & Otic Disorders
1. Define and describe symptoms/presentation of ophthalmic and otic disorders that are self-
treatable
a. Ophthalmic: dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis
- Dry eye – one of the most common disorders of the anterior eye
o Mildly red eye, with patients complaining of sandy, gritty feeling & feeling
like something is stuck in the eye
o Excessive tearing may occur initially
- Allergic conjunctivitis
o Red eyes, watery discharge, itching, blurred vision due to excessive tears
o ALWAYS bilateral
- People will have more of a sandy, gritty feeling with dry eyes while allergic
conjunctivitis causes more itchy, watery discharge that will occur for longer than dry
eyes
b. Otic: excessive/impacted cerumen and water-clogged ear
- Excessive/impacted cerumen
o Sense of fullness
o Pressure in the ear with gradual hearing loss
o Symptoms: discomfort, itching, tinnitus, dizziness, ear fullness, vertigo,
cough
- Water-clogged ear – not swimmer’s ear or otitis externa; retention of water within
the EAC
o Feeling of wetness
o Feeling of fullness accompanied by a gradual hearing loss
o Localized discomfort
2. Recommend pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for the above ophthalmic and
otic disorders
- Ophthalmic duration of use: 72 hours; otic duration of use: 4 days
- Ophthalmic – dry eye
- Nonpharmacologic:
o Avoid environments that increase the evaporation of the tear film
 Direct flow of air from heating or air conditioner vents and wind
o Use humidifier
o Avoid dusty places (may worsen gritty feeling)
o Avoid prolonged viewing of computer screens
o Wear sunglasses/goggles when outdoors
o Eliminate topical/systemic medications
 Add dietary supplement; omega-3 or flaxseed oil
o Warm compresses to eyelids
o Drinking water to stay hydrated
o Blinking on a regular basis
- Pharmacologic:

o First-line – artificial tears solutions; second-line – artificial tears gel preparations;
third-line/adjunct – non-medicated lubricating ointments
o Artificial tears (solutions & gels)
 Stabilize tear film & prevent tear evaporation
 Keeps the eye as hydrated as possible
 Ophthalmic demulcents (AI): carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, dextran 70, glycerin, polyethylene glycol 400, polyvinyl
alcohol, polysorbate 80 povidone, propylene glycol
 Resolve the pain & irritation patients may experience with this
condition
 Mild symptoms: instill drops into affected eye twice daily to minimize
dryness
 Moderate symptoms: 3-4 times daily
 Can be given as often as hourly
 Preservative free recommended with frequent administration
 Caution for severe symptoms or increased usage of products with increased