3-10. FLOATERS
Floaters are also called "spots before the eyes." They are due to vitreous debris
from the membranous attachment of the vitreous body to the optic nerve and retina.
This condition is more prevalent in highly myopic (nearsighted) and older persons. The
condition tends to become less noticeable with time. Bright lights may make the
condition worse. These spots are relatively normal and insignificant unless the spots
appear after trauma. Then, the spots may indicate that the retina has become
detached.
3-11. BLEPHAROSPASM (TIC)
A blepharospasm (tic) is a persistent or repetitive involuntary contraction of the
orbicularis oculi muscle. No one knows what causes this condition. The cause may be
irritative lesions of the cornea. Tics can be aggravated by emotional stress and fatigue.
A tic usually stops on its own. If it is persistent, the patient must be referred to the
ophthalmologist.
3-12. HORDEOLUM (STYE)
a. Description. A hordeolum, usually called a stye, is a common
staphylococcal abscess. It is an infection of the eyelid sebaceous glands. There are
two types of hordeolum: internal hordeolum and external hordeolum. An abscess that
points to the skin or to the conjunctival side of the eyelid is an internal hordeolum. An
infection of the glands of Moll or Zeis results in an external hordeolum, a stye which
appears on the margin of the eyelid.
b. Signs/Symptoms. The signs and symptoms of this disease are red, swollen
eyelids with pus. The eyelids are also tender and painful.
c. Treatment. The disease can be treated with warm compresses held on the
eyelids for ten to fifteen minutes three times a day. If this process does not clear up the
condition within forty-eight hours, the patient must be referred to a doctor for incision
and drainage. Treatment may also include instilling of ophthalmic antibacterials such as
sodium sulfacetamide into the conjunctival sac every three hours or as ordered by the
doctor.
MD0582
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