FINAL EXAM drugs for eye and ear disorders study guide

gel-like substance in the posterior segment of the eye that maintains eyeball shape and keeps the retina in place

vitreous humor

fluid in the anterior segment of the eye that nourishes structures, removes waste, and helps maintain intraocular pressure (IOP)

aqueous humor

structure that drains aqueous humor from the anterior chamber into the venous system

canal of schlemm

maintained when aqueous humor production and outflow are equal.

normal intraocular pressure (IOP)

eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) causing gradual peripheral vision loss and possible blindness

glaucoma

main symptom of glaucoma

gradual loss of peripheral vision

Glaucoma that develops independently without another underlying cause

primary glaucoma

Glaucoma caused by another condition such as trauma, infection, inflammation, diabetes, cataracts, tumor, hemorrhage, or medications

secondary glaucoma

Medications that can cause secondary glaucoma

topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, antidepressants, and some antihypertensives

Hypertension, migraines, extreme visual acuity defects, and aging

risk factors for secondary glaucoma

Most common form of glaucoma (>90%), usually bilateral, progressive, and treated with medications

open-angle glaucoma

Acute glaucoma caused by sudden obstruction of aqueous humor outflow; usually affects one eye and is a medical emergency

closed-angle glaucoma

symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma

severe ocular pain, bloodshot eye, and sudden visual changes

treatment for closed-angle glaucoma

surgical emergency

treatment goal for glaucoma drugs

lower IOP by increasing aqueous humor outflow or decreasing aqueous humor production

First-line glaucoma drugs that increase aqueous humor outflow

prostaglandin analogs

latanoprost (Xalatan) and travoprost (Travatan Z)

examples of prostaglandin analogs

side effects of prostaglandin analogs

iris pigmentation changes and eyelash growth

Glaucoma drugs that decrease aqueous humor production

beta blockers (eye)

Timolol (Timoptic)

examples of ophthalmic beta blocker

nursing concern with timolol eye drops can cause….

systemic beta-blocker effects such as bradycardia and hypotension

Glaucoma drugs that decrease aqueous humor production

alpha2-adrenergic agonists

example of alpha2-adrenergic agonists

brimonidine (alphagan)

Glaucoma drugs that decrease aqueous humor production

carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eye)

Example of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

dorzolamide (trusopt)

Rapid-acting glaucoma drugs used to reduce aqueous humor formation, often pre-op or post-op

osmotic diuretics (eye)

Drugs that cause miosis (pupil constriction) to improve aqueous humor outflow

cholinergic agonists (eye)

examples of cholinergic agonists

pilocarpine, carbachol

pupil constriction

miosis

pupil dilation

mydriasis

drugs that dilate the pupil for retinal examination

mydriatic drugs

example of mydriatic drug

phenylephrine

drugs that dilate the pupil and paralyze lens accommodation

cycloplegic drugs

examples of cycloplegic drugs

atropine and scopolamine

what do cyclopelgic drugs do

dilate pupil and prevent lens movement

drugs used for minor eye irritation (vasoconstrictor)

phenylephrine

condition caused by insufficient tears or poor quality tears

dry eye

causes of dry eye

aging, antihistamines, decongestants, environment, long-term contact use, LASIK surgery

artificial tears, cyclosporine (restasis), lifetegrast (xiidra)

treatment for dye eye

infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (lining of eyelids)

conjunctivitis

Treatment for inflammatory conjunctivitis

topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids

Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis

topical antibiotics

Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis

topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers

Eye drops used to reduce inflammation

ocular corticosteroids

examples of ocular corticosteroids

dexamethasone, prednisolone

Eye drops used to reduce inflammation, often after cataract surgery

ocular NSAIDs

examples of ocular NSAIDs

ketorolac, diclofenac

eye medications used to treat bacterial eye infections

ocular antibiotics

examples of ocular antibiotics

erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, neomycin, bacitracin

Eye medication used for allergic conjunctivitis

ocular antihistamine

Example of ocular antihistamine

azelastine

prevents allergic eye reactions

mast cell stabilizer (eye)

example of mast cell stabilizer

cromolyn

eye medication used to numb the eye for procedures

ocular anesthetics

main functions of the ears

hearing and balance

Infection of the outer ear canal (swimmer’s ear)

otitis externa

treatment for otitis externa

antibiotic ear drops often with corticosteroids

Examples of otitis externa medications

Ciprofloxacin ± dexamethasone, ofloxacin, polymyxin B/neomycin/hydrocortisone (Cortisporin)

Middle ear infection treated with systemic antibiotics

otitis media

treatment for otitis media

systemic (oral) antibiotics

severe ear infection complication that can cause hearing loss

mastoiditis

used to soften ear wax for removal

ear drops for cerumen