2017 HCHB_digital

Eye Conditions (continued)
Type Symptoms Advice for customers Treatment options
AGE-RELATED
MACULAR
DEGENERATION
(AMD)
BACTERIAL
CONJUNCTIVITIS
ALLERGIC
CONJUNCTIVITIS
VIRAL
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Loss of vision or blurred area near the
center of vision in one or both eyes. Vision
loss may occur gradually, or suddenly.
Blurred area may become larger or blank
spots may develop in the central vision.
Loss of vision may interfere with everyday
activities. Objects may not appear as sharp
or bright as they used to be.
AMD is common and the leading cause
of vision loss among people over the age
of 50.
Symptoms are red, burning, sore eyes often
with puffy eyelids and a thick white/yellow
discharge. Eyelids may be stuck together on
awakening.
Symptoms come on suddenly and both eyes
are usually infected (it is very contagious),
although one eye may be affected a day
or so before the other. Symptoms usually
resolve themselves within about one to two
weeks. Antibacterial eye drops may hasten
recovery by a couple of days.
Symptoms include very itchy, burning, sore
red eyes with puffy eyelids and maybe dark
pouches below the eyes, and clear, copious
discharge that may be watery or sticky.
There is often a history of other allergic
symptoms, eg, sneezing and runny or
congested nose (see Hay Fever).
Symptoms are red, sore and gritty eyes
with a clear watery discharge. Some itching
and swelling may be present, with some
crusting on the eyelids. One or both eyes
may be infected.
Frequently caused by the common cold
virus or adenoviruses; other viral symptoms
may also be present (eg, fever, sore throat).
Symptoms may last two to three weeks. If
herpes simplex is involved, there will be no
other viral symptoms but there may be cold
sores elsewhere (see Cold Sores). Refer to
a doctor immediately as herpes simplex can
cause scarring and perforation of the cornea.
AMD is more common in people over the
age of 50, in caucasians compared with
African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos and
in people with a family history of AMD.
Stop smoking if you smoke; smoking
doubles the risk of AMD.
Exercise regularly, keep blood pressure and
cholesterol under control, and eat a diet rich
in green, leafy vegetables and fish.
Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at
least once a year.
Bathe eyelids with warm water or saline
solution and use warm compresses. Soak
cloth in nappy solution and wash thoroughly
after each use.
Do not share face cloths, towels or eye
drops. Dispose of tissues carefully.
Do not use a decongestant eye drop as it
can mask the redness and thereby mask
worsening infection.
Wash hands frequently and after any contact
with the eyes.
Apply a cold flannel to soothe the eyes.
Avoid triggers (eg, pollen, animal dander)
where possible.
Wash hands frequently and after any contact
with the eyes.
Combination eye drops containing
decongestants should not be used for
more than three days, to avoid rebound
congestion in the eyes.
Viral conjunctivitis is contagious so do
not share face cloths, towels or eye drops.
Dispose of tissues carefully.
Wash hands frequently and after any contact
with the eyes.
If symptoms do not improve or get worse
seek medical advice.
Consider taking supplements shown in trials to reduce the risk
of late AMD by 25%. Known as AREDS and AREDS2 these
substances contained clinically effective dosages of vitamin C.
vitamin E, zinc oxide, cupric oxide, and beta-carotene, lutein,
or zeaxanthin.
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Macu-Vision Blackmores* (contains ascorbic acid, cupric
oxide, zinc oxide, vitamin E)
Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibacterial/
antibiotic eye drops. Consider using single-use wipes to keep
eyes clean.
Hypoallergenic pH-balanced wipes eg, Clear Eyes, Fess
Antibacterial eye drops
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, propamidine isethionate (Brolene Eye Drops*)
[PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINES]
eg, Chloramphenicol eye drops 0.5% (Chlorafast),
Chloramphenicol eye ointment 1% (Chlorsig)
Treat with antihistamine tablets or eye drops (see Hay Fever).
Hypoallergenic pH-balanced wipes eg, Clear Eyes, Fess
Mast cell stabilisers (eye drops)
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, cromoglycate (Cromo-Fresh), lodoxamide (Lomide)
Preventive medicines used four times daily on an ongoing basis.
Antihistamines (eye drops)
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, levocabastine (Livostin), ketotifen (Zaditen)
Decongestant combinations (eye drops)
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, naphazoline (+ antazoline: Albalon A Allergy; +
pheniramine: Visine Allergy; + zinc: Clear Eyes Allergy)
There are no OTC preparations available to treat viral
conjunctivitis. Treat symptomatically using soothing lubricant
eye drops and bathing the eyes. Consider using single-use
wipes to keep eyes clean.
Hypoallergenic pH-balanced wipes eg, Clear Eyes Wipes, Fess
Little Eyes Wipes
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Celluvisc Drops (PF) , Clear Eyes-D, Clear Eyes Eye Mist Spray
(PF)
, Hylo-Fresh* (PF) , GenTeal (PF) , Optive, Optrex Actimist 2 in1
Tired & Uncomfortable Eye Spray,Refresh Plus (PF) , Refresh Tears
Plus, Refresh Liquigel, Systane
Products with an asterisk have a detailed listing in the Eye Conditions section of OTC Products, starting on page 235-237.
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Page 66 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Common Disorders