EYE PAIN

EYE PAIN: Excerpt from Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs

Ask the following questions:

1. Is there redness of the eye? Redness of the eye suggests definite eye pathology. Without redness, one should suspect disease in the adjacent structures or retrobulbar neuritis.
2. If there is redness, is there periorbital edema as well? Periorbital edema should suggest a cavernous sinus thrombosis or herpes zoster.
3. If there is periorbital edema, is there a rash? A rash, particularly vesicular rash, would suggest herpes zoster.
4. In cases without redness of the eye, is there any abnormality on examination both with the naked eye and with the ophthalmoscope? A dilated pupil would certainly suggest glaucoma; ophthalmoscopic examination may show optic neuritis or retinal detachment. A visual field examination may detect optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, and retinal artery occlusion. A visual acuity check may pick up a refractive error.
5. Finally, is there headache associated with the eye pain? This would be suggestive of migraine or cluster headache.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

The primary care specialist may want to treat cases of obvious conjunctivitis without a culture and sensitivity. However, a smear and culture is useful especially if Neisseria is suspected. A smear may also reveal eosinophils suggesting allergic conjunctivitis. The primary care specialist may also use fluorescein dye to diagnose a foreign body. Most primary care physicians feel competent to use tonometry to diagnose glaucoma and may feel competent to use a slit lamp. However, when there is any doubt about the diagnosis, the most cost-effective approach is to refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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