Inflammatory Eye Conditions

ABOUT:

The leading causes of blindness among Australians aged 55 or more are AMD (50%), glaucoma (16%) and cataract (12%). Some vision problems among older Australians are acquired early in life.

General practice eye consultations account for about 2.2 out of every 100 consultations, and about 4.8% of medical specialist referrals are to an ophthalmologist.  Identification and appropriate management of acute eye injuries and infection and of acute and progressive visual loss are essential skills for general practitioners. Identification of individuals at risk of common conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration is important to enable the commencement of appropriate screening and preventive strategies. General practitioners (GPs) are ideally placed to coordinate care of individuals with visual impairment to enable them to access appropriate community supports and necessary services.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Distinguish between benign ocular surface disease and more significant corneal or intraocular inflammation.
2. Determine treatment of allergic and infectious conjunctivitis.
3. Assess best approach to uveitis diagnosis and treatment.