Showing 1-20 of 43 for: Essential Evidence Topics > Eye and ear 
- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
Essential Evidence Topics, 30-Mar-2022
Overall Bottom Line: Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is an important consideration in a patient presenting with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. Use auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry for the initial evaluation; however, if the
- Allergic rhinitis
Essential Evidence Topics, 3-Jun-2022
Overall Bottom Line: Empiric treatment of patients with classic symptoms is appropriate. Treatment with intranasal steroids and nonsedating antihistamines is sufficient for most patients. Intranasal steroids are also effective in treating ocular sympt
- Blepharitis
Essential Evidence Topics, 8-Jun-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Suspect blepharitis in patients with recurrent itchy eyes and conjunctival irritation. Patients with all forms of blepharitis can benefit from eyelid hygiene (eg, warm compresses, scrubbing eyelid margins with a cotton swab dipped i
- Cataract
Essential Evidence Topics, 3-Feb-2023
Overall Bottom Line: Visual function questionnaires, a complete ophthalmic examination, and an assessment for functional impairment under different light conditions help to determine the indication for surgery. Extracapsular cataract surgery by phacoemu
- Cerumen impaction
Essential Evidence Topics, 19-Jul-2022
Overall Bottom Line: Cerumen is a naturally occurring substance, cleared naturally, and should not be routinely treated if asymptomatic and if the ears can be examined adequately. In children and cognitively-impaired persons who cannot express symptoms, e
- Conjunctivitis (allergic)
Essential Evidence Topics, 7-Sep-2021
Overall Bottom Line: The diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis is made via history and physical examination. Topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers are effective treatment. Consider intranasal steroids or systemic antihistamines in patients wi
- Conjunctivitis (infectious)
Essential Evidence Topics, 20-Oct-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Meticulous handwashing and good hygiene can prevent acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis and does not usually require treatment. Eyes glued shut upon awakening
- Corneal abrasion and ulcer
Essential Evidence Topics, 1-May-2021
Overall Bottom Line: The diagnosis is made on the basis of a history of foreign body or trauma to the eye and a positive fluorescein stain on examination. Oral analgesic medications can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Consider using topical NSAIDs
- Diabetic retinopathy
Essential Evidence Topics, 26-Dec-2022
Overall Bottom Line: Type 1 diabetes: dilated, comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within 3 to 5 years of onset of diabetes followed by annual eye examinations. Type 2 diabetes: dilated, comprehensive eye examination by an
- Dry eye
Essential Evidence Topics, 24-Feb-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Dry eye syndrome (DES) usually can be diagnosed by oral history. DES may be a symptom of an autoimmune disorder. Medications, environmental humidity, and eye use can be addressed to lessen symptoms. Artificial tears and ointment
- Episcleritis and scleritis
Essential Evidence Topics, 1-May-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Suspect scleritis or episcleritis in a patient with red or violet eye, especially if history of autoimmune or collagen vascular disease. Diagnosis of scleritis requires a complete ophthalmic examination and a systemic evaluation to
- Foreign body (nasal and ear)
Essential Evidence Topics, 21-Jul-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Perform otoscopy or rhinoscopy to confirm diagnosis of ear or nasal foreign body (FB) in a child presenting with unilateral mucopurulent discharge of the ear or nose. Remove external auditory canal FBs using irrigation, suction, or i
- Glaucoma
Essential Evidence Topics, 2-Mar-2023
Overall Bottom Line: Glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease diagnosed by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in most patients, optic neuropathy, and glaucomatous visual field loss. Patients should be referred to ophthalmology if glaucoma is suspected.
- Hearing loss in adults (diagnostic approach)
Essential Evidence Topics, 20-Feb-2023
Overall Bottom Line: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for hearing loss in asymptomatic adults aged 50 years or older. In any patient with a comp
- Hordeolum and chalazion
Essential Evidence Topics, 29-Jun-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Hordeolum (stye) is an acute, tender, and erythematous lesion of the eyelid that can safely be treated with warm compresses and topical erythromycin. Chalazia usually present as a chronic, nontender, SC nodule within the eyelid, som
- Hyphema
Essential Evidence Topics, 12-Apr-2023
Overall Bottom Line: Consider a diagnosis of hyphema in patients presenting with blood in the anterior chamber, often in the setting of ocular trauma or eye surgery. Perform complete examination of the eye and orbit to rule out other serious injuries. S
- Intraocular foreign body
Essential Evidence Topics, 21-Oct-2021
Overall Bottom Line: A high index of suspicion for intraocular foreign body (IOFB) is warranted for patients with a foreign body sensation associated with hammering, grinding, or other force-related mechanism. Refer most, if not all, patients with IOFB
- Iritis and uveitis
Essential Evidence Topics, 16-Mar-2023
Overall Bottom Line: Anterior uveitis usually presents as a unilateral, painful red eye with blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing. Rule out other more common causes of the painful red eye, including conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions and ulcers, and
- Macular degeneration
Essential Evidence Topics, 23-Jul-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Regular screening by an opthalmologist, especially for adults over age 55 years, is recommended according to AAO guidelines. High-dose antioxidants and lutein slow progression of disease. Wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD
- Mastoiditis
Essential Evidence Topics, 27-Jan-2021
Overall Bottom Line: Suspect acute mastoiditis in a patient with otalgia, postauricular pain, fever, and postauricular swelling, tenderness, and erythema. Order a CT scan in patients with suspected intracranial complications, those requiring mastoidecto
