LESSON 3
EENT DISEASES AND DISORDERS
Section I. OCULAR DISEASES AND DISORDERS
3-1.
INTRODUCTION
Disorders which affect our ability to see, hear, smell, or speak cause
considerable anxiety because such conditions affect those functional areas which
influence the way we interact with our environment. Most of the EENT problems seen
in the field setting can be treated adequately without extensive medical intervention.
Learning to differentiate, however, between those EENT disorders which must be
evacuated and those which will soon be resolved will be critical in the management of
casualties. Common ocular diseases and disorders include the following: exudation
(conjunctival discharge); gonococcal conjunctivitis; inclusion conjunctivitis (swimming
pool disease); herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic); uveitis; cataracts; corneal ulcer; eye
strain; floaters (spots before the eyes); blepharospasm (tics); hordeolum (stye); lid
disorders; and other related diseases and disorders.
3-2.
EXUDATION (CONJUNCTIVAL DISCHARGE)
a. Description. Exudation is a visible indication of an active conjunctival
(mucous membrane that lines the inner portion of the eyelids) infection. If the infection
is bacterial, the discharge will be purulent. If the infection is caused by a virus, the eyes
will be watery and sensitive to light; there will also be a burning sensation.
b. Signs/Symptoms. Signs and symptoms include:
(1)
A purulent discharge (in a bacterial infection).
(2)
Watery, burning eyes with a sensitivity to light (viral infection).
(3) Tearing along with a "ropy or stringy" discharge and itching (as in
allergic conjunctivitis).
(4) Copious discharge with eyelids stuck firmly together on waking (bacterial
or chlamydial infection).
c. Treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis is a self-limited disease which lasts from
10 to 14 days even if untreated. The disease usually lasts from two to three days if
treated with a sulfonamide or antibiotic ointment applied locally three times daily.
CAUTION:
Do not use antibiotic corticosteroid combination.
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