NBEO Pharmacology & Ocular Disease Treatment 2

Question 1

What medications are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

Topical antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer combination drops (e.g., olopatadine, ketotifen) and cold compresses

Answer

Dual-action agents combining antihistamine (immediate relief) and mast cell stabilization (prevention) are first-line treatment. Artificial tears dilute allergens, and cool compresses reduce symptoms.

Question 2

What is the treatment for herpes simplex keratitis?

Accepted Answer

Topical antiviral medication (trifluridine or ganciclovir gel) and possibly oral antiviral therapy; corticosteroids require careful management

Answer

HSV keratitis requires antiviral therapy. Topical antivirals treat epithelial disease. Stromal disease may require steroids (carefully, with antiviral cover) to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring.

Question 3

What are artificial tears and when are they prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Lubricating eye drops that supplement the natural tear film, prescribed for dry eye disease, post-surgical care, and contact lens discomfort

Answer

Artificial tears come in various formulations (preserved, preservative-free, lipid-based, gel) to supplement deficient tear film, reduce symptoms of dryness, and protect the ocular surface.

Question 4

What is the role of punctal plugs in dry eye treatment?

Accepted Answer

Small devices inserted into the tear drainage openings to retain tears on the eye surface longer

Answer

Punctal plugs (silicone or collagen) block the tear drainage puncta, keeping natural and artificial tears on the ocular surface longer, increasing tear volume and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Question 5

What is the pharmacological treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Emergency IOP reduction with topical beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, pilocarpine, and oral or IV acetazolamide, followed by laser iridotomy

Answer

Acute angle closure is an emergency requiring rapid IOP reduction using multiple agents simultaneously: timolol, apraclonidine, pilocarpine (to open the angle), and acetazolamide (to reduce aqueous production). Definitive treatment is laser iridotomy.

NBEO - National Board of Examiners in Optometry Practice Test

NBEO - National Board of Examiners in Optometry Practice Test

NBEO Pharmacology & Ocular Disease Treatment 2