516 LA 6

Laura Hampton

A. Chloromycetin

  1. Chloromycetin is an ocular medication, prescribed in a different form it is used to treat systemic bacterial infections.
  2. This medication is an antibiotic used to treat ocular infections.
  3. The side effects that may accompany the administration of this medication that are less common are stinging and burning. Rarer side effects may include pale skin; sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness. Blurred vision may occur after initial administration into the eye.
  4. Due to the possibility of burred vision it would be best to allow the student to wait several minutes before asking the student to attend to visual tasks.
  5. The impact of chloromycetin on the visual system should be to eliminate any infection requiring the use of and antibiotic.

B. Dilantin

  1. Dilantin is a systemic medication.
  2. It is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizure disorders.
  3. The ocular side effects that may occur are double vision and the rolling of the eyes. Both of these side effects are an indication of overdose.
  4. Although there are no ocular precautions that need to be taken with this medication, due to the systemic nature of Dilantin the TVI should me aware of the all other side effects their students may encounter if prescribed this medication.

C. Albalon

  1. Albacon is an ocular medication with systemic side effects, especially in young children. Thus, Albacon is not recommend for your children because it may cause slowing down of the central nervous system which may result in unconsciousness.
  2. Its purpose is to treat allergies due to dust, pollen, etc. as well as colds.
  3. The possible ocular side effects include blurred vision, large pupils and increased eye irritation.
  4. If side effects occur the following visual precautions should be taken: sun glasses to reduce photophobia due to large pupils, and reduced visual tasks due to blurred vision and/or increased eye irritation.
  5. The ocular side effects should not be confused with possible symptoms of other eye infections diseases or eye injury.

D. Tegretol

  1. Tegretol is a systemic medication.
  2. It is an anticonvulsant, used to treat epilepsy as well as bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.
  3. The possible ocular side effects may include, blurred vision, nystagmus, visual hallucinations and double vision.
  4. The TVI and classroom teacher should be aware of the seriousness of the side effects of Tegretol and should decrease visual tasks if side effects are detected while working with the student. They should also be reported to the parent as soon as possible.
  5. The ocular side effects are listed above. There are also many other physical side effects that often accompany the use of Tegretol.

F. Naphcon

  1. Naphcon is an ocular medication.
  2. It is designed to treat itchy red eyes such as allergic eyes.
  3. Side effects that may occur are very rare and are often associated with overdose or long-term use. They include dizziness, sweating, headache, nausea, nervousness and drowsiness.
  4. Precautions are not needed with this medication.
  5. Left untreated, red, itchy eyes may cause extreme discomfort and the student would not be able to attend to visual tasks.

G. Ritalin

  1. Ritalin is a systemic medication.
  2. It is used to treat children and youth with Attention Deficit Disorder and some depressive disorders.
  3. Ocular side effects may include blurred vision, and is a sign of overdose.
  4. There are no visual precautions that need to be taken.
  5. The visual impact would only occur if there was an overdose of this medication.

H. Ocufen

  1. Ocufen is an ocular and a systemic medication.
  2. It is an anti-inflammatory used during and after surgery to decrease inflammation and edema.
  3. Burning, stinging, or mild discomfort after application;dry eyes, and dilated or constricted pupils are common side effects.
  4. Students most likely would not be attending school while being administered this medication, however it is often used following cataract surgery therefore it is possible.
  5. During recovery, and individual may not be able to see clearly while on this medication. Limited visual tasks should be considered if side effects are present.

I. Fexofenadine

  1. This is a systemic medication.
  2. It is used to treat allergy symptoms.
  3. There are no ocular side effects.
  4. There are no visual precautions that need to be taken.
  5. If left untreated, allergy symptoms can cause red, itchy, watery eyes, which may impact a student’s visual performance.

J. Pilocarpine

1.This is an ocular medication with systemic side effects if the dose is too high.

2. It is used to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions.

3. Blurred vision and changes in near or far vision may be possible side effects. Also, eye pain, eye irritation, headache or brow ache may also occur.

4.The individual may not be able to see clearly and should not drive or operate heavy machinery following application of the medication.

5.Students should be monitored closely after application and if side effects are present then visual tasks should not be expected until all of the side effects have decreased.

K. Timoptic

  1. This medication is ocular and systemic.
  2. It is used to treat glaucoma.
  3. The ocular side effects that may occur are blurred vision, stinging, eye irritation or decreased night vision, and redness of eyes or inside of eyes.
  4. The student should be given time to allow any side effects that do occur to dissipate until required to perform visual tasks.