From Group 6:
Can toxic conjunctivitis be considered as eye trauma? If so, what other nursing interventions must be considered apart from irrigation with sterile/saline water?
Hoping for your feedback. Thank you!
Hello JC!
As discussed earlier, one of the types of eye trauma includes chemical burns, and toxic conjunctivitis can result from exposure to medications, chlorine (from pools), and chemical irritants. This condition causes direct damage to the ocular tissues, which could then lead to conjunctival swelling and edema. Hence, the answer is yes, toxic conjunctivitis can be considered a form of eye trauma. Aside from irrigation with sterile or saline water, we can also apply cold compresses or artificial tears over the eyes, as well as the administration of topical corticosteroids as appropriate to reduce the irritation (Hamrah & Dana, 2023). As a supplemental nursing intervention, IOP should be closely monitored because this may increase as a result of corticosteroid treatments. Furthermore, non-benzalkonium chloride (BAK) are the usual choice for corticosteroids if needed (Ayres et al., n.d.).
References:
As discussed earlier, one of the types of eye trauma includes chemical burns, and toxic conjunctivitis can result from exposure to medications, chlorine (from pools), and chemical irritants. This condition causes direct damage to the ocular tissues, which could then lead to conjunctival swelling and edema. Hence, the answer is yes, toxic conjunctivitis can be considered a form of eye trauma. Aside from irrigation with sterile or saline water, we can also apply cold compresses or artificial tears over the eyes, as well as the administration of topical corticosteroids as appropriate to reduce the irritation (Hamrah & Dana, 2023). As a supplemental nursing intervention, IOP should be closely monitored because this may increase as a result of corticosteroid treatments. Furthermore, non-benzalkonium chloride (BAK) are the usual choice for corticosteroids if needed (Ayres et al., n.d.).
References:
Ayres, B. D., Rapuano, C., Brown, H. A., Garg, S. J., & Daskivich, L. P. (n.d.). VisualDx . https://www.visualdx.com/visualdx/diagnosis/toxic+conjunctivitis?diagnosisId=54090&moduleId=21#:~:text=Toxic%20conjunctivitis%20%2D%20External%20and%20Internal%20Eye,-Print%20Images%20(6&text=One%20of%20the%20more%20common,patients%20using%20multiple%20topical%20medications.
Hamrah, P., & Dana, R. (2023). Toxic conjunctivitis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/toxic-conjunctivitis