Chapter 16: Ophthalmic Surgery; Short Answer: Ophthalmic Procedures

Lacrimal system: A) What procedure is performed to open a blocked drainage system for tears? B) The topical anesthetic cocaine 4 percent is often used to prepare the nose, even if a general anesthetic is planned. Why?

A) Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) B) Added anesthetic effect and vasoconstriction

Analyze a chalazion. Describe what it is and identify what causes it.

Chalazion: Small lump on the inner and outer surface of the eyelid, red and swollen area. Caused by an inflammation response to a plugged sebaceous gland in the eyelid.

Using your medical dictionary and textbook, describe the difference between ectropion and entropion. Describe the types of entropion.

Ectropion: Eyelid is everted so that its edge doesn't touch the eyeball. Entropion: Eyelid is inverted causing eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. Involutional is most common, cantonal tendons retain normal rigidity, atrophy of tarsals and orbital fat, hypotonia of sub-q and skin. Congenital is due to hypertrophy of the oculi muscle causing eyelid margin to be pushed superiorly and against globe.

Describe the skin prep for ophthalmic procedures.

From hairline to inferior mandibular border, from the anterior auricular border to beyond the midline, cleanse the eyelid first, then the eyelashes, brow, and skin. Sterile swabs soaked in prep solution, rinse with sterile water.

The surgeon is dictating and you hear the word ptosis. Using your medical dictionary, define ptosis and blepharoplasty.

Ptosis: Droopy Blepharoplasty: Procedure correcting defects, deformities and disfigurations of the eyelids; also for aesthetically modifying the eye region of the face.

Describe the draping process for procedures of the eyelid.

Require the use of a head drape, which usually consists of an adhesive "U" drape (or split sheet) placed around the operative site and a smaller adhesive sheet that extends across the forehead. They are placed after the towels are placed around operative site.

What is used to prevent the eyelid for a chalazion? What type of incision might be used?

The affected eyelid is everted with a chalazion clamp for exposure; Incision on inner surface made with #11 or #15 blade.