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Initial Post: Eye Conditions - AM Case Study
Concerning pharmacologic treatment for AM, initiating a topical broad-spectrum antibiotic to avoid bacterial superinfection is appropriate, and his marred contact lens history should be considered. The fluoroquinolone eye drops, including moxifloxacin or ciprofloxacin, are widely used for their effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is one of the most common causes of contact lens-related infections (Drago, 2024). These should be given regularly- generally one drop every hour while awake during the first 24-48 hours, then titrated according to clinical response. Furthermore, lubricating eye drops have symptomatic relief, whereas cycloplegic agents such as cyclopentolate can be prescribed to alleviate ciliary spasms and attendant pain if photophobia is present. Oral analgesics like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can also be used to alleviate discomfort.
AM should receive immediate follow-up care within 24 hours after initiating treatment. This follow-up is crucial here to confirm that the abrasion is healing and there is no microbial keratitis progression that causes corneal ulcers and vision loss if left untreated. If there is no improvement or the lesion worsens, then AM should be referred to an ophthalmologist for further diagnosis, possible corneal cultures, and more aggressive therapy. Further follow-up may be required until the symptoms are completely resolved and corneal healing is confirmed.
AM also requires adequate counseling on safe contact lens practices to avoid future episodes. He should be warned against sleeping in contact lenses, even occasionally, because this heightens the risk of corneal hypoxia and infection (Rhee et al., 2024). He should wash and dry his hands before dealing with lenses, strictly follow the schedule for cleaning and replacement, and keep lenses protected from water, for example, showering or swimming. Education in detecting early signs of eye irritation or infection, along with a cessation of lens use at the first sensation of discomfort, will help keep his ocular health intact in the long term. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Drago, L. (2024). Topical Antibiotic Therapy in the Ocular Environment: The Benefits of Using Moxifloxacin Eyedrops. Microorganisms, 12(4), 649.
Rhee, M. K., Ahmad, S., Amescua, G., Cheung, A. Y., Choi, D. S., Jhanji, V., ... & Varu, D. M. (2024). Bacterial keratitis preferred practice pattern®. Ophthalmology, 131(4), P87-P133.