Eye Infections

Author: Michael John Stewart / Editors: Jonathan D Whittaker / Reviewer: Michael John Stewart, Louise Burrows, Kathryn Boyle / Codes: / Published: 18/01/2021 / Reviewed: 17/10/2024

This module covers the assessment and management of infections affecting the external eye and the lacrimal apparatus.

Prerequisites:

Before commencing this session you should complete the Module Session – Initial Assessment of the Eye

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Identify the anatomical factors that contribute to the development and spread of infections of the eye lid and peri-orbital structures
  • Describe the pathophysiology and clinical features of dacryoadenitis and dacryocystitis, and institute appropriate treatment
  • Differentiate between a chalazion (meibomian cyst) and acute hordeolum of the eye and formulate management strategies for each condition
  • Differentiate between preseptal and orbital cellulitis and formulate a management strategy for both conditions
  • Recognise the serious complications of orbital infections and institute appropriate treatment and referral

References

  1. Rutar T, Zwick OM, Cockerham KP, Horton JC. Bilateral blindness from orbital cellulitis caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Oct;140(4):740-2.
  2. Jackson K, Baker SR. Clinical implications of orbital cellulitis. Laryngoscope. 1986 May;96(5):568-74.
  3. Blomquist PH. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections of the eye and orbit (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis). Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2006;104:322-45.
  4. Boden JH, Ainbinder DJ. Methicillin-resistant ascending facial and orbital cellulitis in an operation Iraqi Freedom troop population. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Sep-Oct;23(5):397-9.
  5. Hospital Episode Statistics [Internet]. Inpatient data. London: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.
  6. Mills DM, Bodman MG, et al. The microbiologic spectrum of dacryocystitis: a national study of acute versus chronic infection. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Jul-Aug;23(4):302-6.
  7. McCulley JP. Blepharoconjunctivitis. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 1984 Summer;24(2):65-77.
  8. Jones DB, Steinkuller PG. Strategies for the initial management of acute preseptal and orbital cellulitis. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1988;86:94-108; discussion 108-12.
  9. Kass LG, Hornblass A. Sebaceous carcinmoma of the ocular adnexa. Survey of Ophthalmology, Volume 33, Issue 6, 477 – 490
  10. Dellinger RP, Levy MM, Carlet JM, Bion J, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2008. Crit Care Med. 2008 Jan;36(1):296-327.
  11. Bergin DJ, Wright JE. Orbital cellulitis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1986 Mar;70(3):174-8.
  12. NHS Digital: Hospital Episode Statistics, Admitted Patient Care  England, 2014-15
  13. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). BNF. Eye, infections.

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