Rx Note

Introduction The Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (the 15-point scale) is a commonly used scoring system for determining impaired consciousness in both traumatic and non-traumatic presentations. 15-Point Scale 3 behavioural aspects are independently measured and used alongside a composite score to rate a person's overall level of consciousness. Eye-opening response Verbal response Motor response Interpretation A lower GCS score indicates a more severe loss of consciousness; the lowest score of 3 indicates a patient who is totally unresponsive. GCS score 8 or less: severe brain injury (usually said to be in a coma) GCS score 9-12: moderate brain injury GCS score 13-15: mild (minor) brain injury. It is clinically important to provide the individual scores in addition to the total score e.g. GCS of 10 with E3, V3 and M4. Limitations It is not suitable for use when assessing children , especially those under 3 years old who are too young to have reliable language skills. On the other...

Introduction A cataract is a clouding in the lens of the eye, which changes the way light passes through the lens. It usually develops slowly and may occur in one or both eyes. Risk Factors Risk factors for cataracts include Increasing age - the most common cause Family history of cataracts Smoking Alcohol consumption Long-term sunlight exposure Certain medical conditions, e.g. diabetes Certain medicines, e.g. prednisolone Symptoms At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract. But over time, cataracts can cause symptoms such as Cloudy, blurred or double vision Fading or yellowing of colours Poor night vision Increased sensitivity to glare. A halo may appear around lights Management Initially, cataracts may be managed with New spectacles, Brighter lighting, Anti-glare sunglasses and Magnifying lenses for reading and other activities. When cataract symptoms interferes with daily living activities, cataract surgery and placement of an intraocular lens should be considered. On...

Introduction Eye floaters are tiny specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs that can be seen in your field of vision , especially when looking at a light-coloured area (e.g. blue sky or white wall). They are created when tiny clumps form in the clear, jelly-like substance (vitreous humour) inside the eye. As eye floaters are suspended in this "jelly", so they move when your eyeball moves. Eye floaters are very common and, for many people, are a part of natural aging process. Management In most cases, floaters are normal and harmless , hence typically don't require treatment. The floaters usually resolve with time, settle down outside the visual axis, and/or become less noticeable. However, a sudden increase in their number (particularly if they occur as flashing lights, or a new big floater) or visual deficit (e.g. vision loss) requires immediate professional attention. External Links Better Health Channel - Eye Floaters AAO - What Are Floaters and Flashes Cleveland Clini...

Introduction Red eye presents as both serious and non-serious eye conditions. Community pharmacists should differentiate manageable conditions from those requiring referral. As a general rule, any eye condition with these symptoms requires immediate ophthalmology referral. Photophobia (increased light sensitivity) True eye pain Distorted vision Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red eye, characterized by varying degrees of ocular redness, irritation, itching and discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis is regarded as self-limiting - 65% of people will have a clinical cure in 2 to 5 days with no treatment. Antibiotics (e.g. chloramphenicol eye drops) are routinely given by medical practitioners (and pharmacists) to expedite recovery and decrease relapse. No specific treatment exists for viral conjunctivitis . Allergic Conjunctivitis Basic eye care that are helpful to most patients with allergic conjunctivitis include Patient should avoid eye rubbing. Cold compress...