You are a school nurse at a local elementary school This mor

You are a school nurse at a local elementary school. This morning one of the first-grade teachers brings a little girl named Keisha to your office. Her right eye is swollen and bloodshot. The lining of the lower lid is bright red. There is a thick yellow discharge in the comer of the eye. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the etiology? What sign leads you to believe that the infection is bacterial in origin? What is the treatment for this condition? Elaborate. Is the condition communicable? What are some of the eye\'s natural defenses that help to prevent infection?

Solution

1. The most likely diagnosis can be Blepharitis (Anterior Blepharitis: affects the outside front edge of the eyelid) and the etiology are the bacterial infection that affects the eyelash follicles along the edge of the eyelid.

2. The thick yellow discharge in the corner of the eyes (Sign) leads to the answer that the infection is due to bacteria presence in the eye. [ (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis)

3. Blepharitis is non-contagious disorder and the treatments are

- to keep the eyes clean and free of debris with hot compresses and gentle lid hygiene.

- Antibiotic drops

- Reducing or completely eliminating the wearing eye make-up.

- If contact lens wearer, it could be replaced by spectacles.

4. The eye\'s natural defense mechanism that prevents infection are the Blinking, watering tears containing the antimicrobial compound in it and eyelashes.