Nurses working in general practice will encounter eye problems fairly frequently, and here Dr Anup Shah offers guidance in a module on the key presentations, their assessment and treatment.
Key learning points from the module
- Most eye complaints presenting in primary care are mild but if the history points to a potentially serious cause, urgent referral is warranted, particularly if the problem is unilateral or related to contact lens use.
- Serious causes include corneal ulcers and acute anterior uveitis, both of which may be characterised by deep pain and significant photophobia. Less serious causes include conjunctivitis and eyelid conditions.
- Conjunctivitis may be infective or allergic. Consider chlamydial conjunctivitis in those aged 15 to 30, and be alert for excessive pus in bacterial conjunctivitis, which may indicate gonorrhoea needing urgent referral.
- Ectropion and entropion are often linked to age-related eyelid laxity and may need ophthalmology referral. Entropion can be more serious, as the eyelashes turn inward and may cause corneal damage leading to infection.
Complete the CPD module here to gain your certificate and log 1.5 CPD hour towards revalidation
Author
Dr Anup Shah is a GP with a special interest in ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, and a lecturer in primary care ophthalmology
The full CPD module can be found on the Nursing in Practice 365 website.
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