Unit 13: Ophthalmic and Dermatologic Agents

Course Objectives

Understand unit objectives and associated chapter readings.
Review the associated PowerPoint lecture with graphics on anatomy and physiology.

Eye as a Sensory Organ: Converts light patterns to nerve impulses for brain interpretation.
Sclera: Tough, fibrous white coat surrounding the eyeball (excluding cornea); maintains eye shape.
Eye Musculature: Eye held in place by six muscles controlled by cranial nerves.
Eyelids: Movable, protect the eye when closed, allow vision when open.
Conjunctiva: Clear mucous membrane lining the eyelid and covering exposed anterior eyeball surface; provides lubrication.

Cornea: Transparent anterior portion; acts as the eye's outer lens, focusing light; no blood supply but nourished by tears and aqueous humor.
Anterior Chamber: Bubble-like portion between iris and cornea.
Lens: Transparent, curved structure behind iris and pupil; refracts light onto the retina.
Iris: Muscular, colored portion controlling light passage through pupil (constricts/dilates).
Posterior Chamber and Cavity: Back portion filled with vitreous humor; aqueous humor flows forward through pupil.
Optic Nerve: Connects eye to brain, transmitting visual signals.
Retina: Innermost layer; rods (black/white) and cones (color) for vision.
Central Retinal Artery and Vein: Supplies and drains blood to/from retina.

Blood Flow: Through central artery and vein; supplies nutrients and removes waste from retina.
Humors: Vitreous humor (posterior), aqueous humor (anterior); contribute to intraocular pressure.
Tears/Lacrimal Glands: Located at medial eyelids, produce tears; drained by nasolacrimal ducts into nasal cavity.

Eye Drops Administration:
- Apply pressure to eye corner post-administration to prevent systemic absorption via nasolacrimal duct.

Eye Muscles: Controlled by cranial nerves; review diagram on page 881 for details.
Nervous System: Retina's nervous tissue connects to brain via optic nerve.