Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales reviews Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, also known as dry eye syndrome. We discuss the common causes—including aging, autoimmune conditions like Sjögren syndrome, and environmental factors—and how decreased tear production or increased evaporation leads to ocular discomfort. Tune in to learn about hallmark symptoms like foreign body sensation, burning, and fluctuating vision, plus diagnostic methods like Schirmer test and vital dye staining. Treatment pearls include artificial tears, cyclosporine drops, and punctal plugs for refractory cases.

#DryEye #KeratoconjunctivitisSicca #SjögrenSyndrome #PANCEprep #PAstudent #EENT101

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales explains Dacryostenosis, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction—most commonly seen in infants. You’ll learn how to recognize the classic signs of persistent tearing and mucoid discharge without conjunctival injection. We also cover the first-line management with lacrimal sac massage, the role of warm compresses, and when to refer for surgical probing if symptoms persist beyond 6–12 months.

#Dacryostenosis #TearingBaby #NasolacrimalDuct #PANCEprep #PAstudent #EENT101 #Ophthalmology

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down Dacryocystitis, an infection of the lacrimal sac typically caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. You’ll learn how this condition presents—classically with pain, redness, swelling, and purulent discharge near the medial canthus—and which organisms are most common (Staph aureus, Strep pneumo). We also review treatment strategies, from warm compresses and oral antibiotics to surgical intervention for recurrent or chronic cases.

#Dacryocystitis #EyeInfection #LacrimalSac #PANCEprep #PAstudent #EENT101 #Ophthalmology

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales reviews Dacryoadenitis, an inflammation of the lacrimal gland that presents with pain, swelling, and erythema of the upper outer eyelid. Learn to recognize the key difference between acute (often bacterial or viral) vs chronic (typically inflammatory or systemic) cases. We’ll talk about common pathogens like Staph aureus and EBV, how to differentiate it from other periorbital conditions, and the management strategies including warm compresses, antibiotics, and when to refer.

#Dacryoadenitis #LacrimalGland #PANCEprep #EyeInfection #PAstudent #EENT101 #Ophthalmology

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales breaks down Uveitis, an intraocular inflammation that can involve the anterior, intermediate, posterior, or entire uveal tract. We’ll cover key causes—including autoimmune conditions, infections, and trauma—and walk you through classic symptoms like eye pain, photophobia, blurry vision, and a “cell and flare” appearance on slit-lamp exam. You'll also learn the clinical distinctions between anterior vs posterior uveitis and how timely ophthalmology referral can preserve vision.

#Uveitis #RedEye #PANCEprep #PAstudent #Ophthalmology #EENT101 #Autoimmune #EyePain

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales dives into Scleritis, a serious and often painful inflammation of the sclera that is commonly associated with systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. We’ll walk through how to distinguish it from episcleritis, highlight the hallmark symptoms of deep, boring eye pain, and discuss complications like vision loss and scleral thinning. Learn the key diagnostic clues, the role of systemic workup, and the importance of prompt treatment with NSAIDs or immunosuppressants.

#Scleritis #AutoimmuneEye #EENT101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEprep #PAstudent #Rheumatology #VisionThreatening

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales unpacks Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis—the inflammation of the iris that can cause significant eye pain and photophobia. Learn how to distinguish it from other causes of red eye, like conjunctivitis or angle-closure glaucoma, by key features such as consensual photophobia and ciliary flush. We’ll also highlight systemic associations, including HLA-B27 conditions, and walk through the essentials of slit-lamp findings and steroid treatment strategies. A must-know topic for both rotations and the PANCE!

#Iritis #Uveitis #EENT101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEprep #PAstudent #Ophthalmology #RedEye

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales walks you through Pterygium, the classic "surfer’s eye" that extends onto the cornea from the conjunctiva. We’ll review its risk factors—like UV light exposure, wind, and dust—and discuss how to distinguish it from a pinguecula. You’ll learn hallmark clinical features, when conservative management is appropriate, and when surgical excision is indicated, especially in cases of visual impairment or recurrent inflammation. Don’t miss this quick but high-yield episode perfect for your PANCE prep or clinical rotation review.

#Pterygium #EyeDisorders #EENT101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEprep #PAstudent #Ophthalmology #SurfersEye

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. We review infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic) and noninfectious causes, with special emphasis on herpes simplex keratitis and contact lens-related bacterial infections. You'll learn how to identify hallmark symptoms—eye pain, photophobia, redness, and decreased vision—and distinguish between dendritic lesions vs. corneal ulcers. We’ll also touch on UV keratitis (aka “snow blindness”) as a quick aside.

#EENT101 #Keratitis #EyeHealth #HerpesSimplexKeratitis #CornealInfection #ContactLensComplication #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of the EENT101 series, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews corneal ulcers, a vision-threatening infection of the corneal stroma. Learn how to spot this urgent ophthalmologic condition with symptoms like eye pain, photophobia, tearing, foreign body sensation, and corneal opacity on slit-lamp exam. We’ll cover risk factors like contact lens misuse, trauma, and ocular surface disease, and highlight the pathogens to consider—especially Pseudomonas in contact lens users. Don’t miss key treatment tips, including emergent ophthalmology referral and fortified topical antibiotics.

#EENT101 #CornealUlcer #Ophthalmology #EyeInfection #ContactLensComplication #PANCEprep #PAstudent #ProPAPodcast #ClinicalMedicineBrief