Chapter 57, Problem 1O

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The anatomy and physiology of the eye and impact of glaucoma and other disorders and disease process on these structures.

Concept introduction:

The eyes are the only exposed organ that are responsible for sight. Though the eyes are protected externally by eyelids and lacrimal glands, still they are prone to viral, bacterial, and amebic infections that can cause infection in the eye and blindness in advanced stages. Aging can also  cause blindness due to cataract. There are various ophthalmological drugs like topical anesthetics, anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-glaucoma, anti-inflammatory, lubricants, and diagnostic drugs to treat various infections in the eye.

Explanation of Solution

The eyes are located in the orbit and the anterior of the eye has three protective layers. The external protective layer possesses the cornea and sclera. The middle layer is a vascular layer and it possesses choroid, ciliary body, and iris. The third layer of the internal layer consists of the retina. The eyes are protected externally by the movable upper and lower eyelids and eyelashes. The eyes have three superior muscles (levator palpebrae, superior rectus, and superior oblique) and three inferior muscles (inferior rectus, lateral rectus, and inferior oblique). Moreover, the eyes consist of the pupil, conjunctiva, iris, ciliary body, choroid, lacrimal caruncle, medial and lateral canthus, cornea, aqueous humor, and uvea. Though eyes are protected by lacrimal glands and cornea, still some bacteria, amoeba, and virus are able to invade the eyes and can cause an infection like conjunctivitis, keratitis, and uveitis. One of the common disorders of the eyes is glaucoma, where the ocular pressure is increased by the fluid accumulation in the aqueous humor.

Conclusion

There are different drugs like anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-glaucoma, and anti-allergen that are administered for a specific infection or diagnosis of the eyes.