2: Conjunctiva Flashcards
viral conjunctivitis
viral infection of the conjunctiva
viral conjunctivitis etiology
- adenovirus in 90% of cases: transmission is through contact with respiratory or ocular secretions and fomites (e.g., towels, pool equipment, toys)
- rarely, mumps, measles, enterovirus, coxsackievirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, poxvirus
viral conjunctivitis demographics
no predilection
viral conjunctivitis laterality
- often starts in one eye and involves the fellow eye within a few days
- exception: herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses typically cause a unilateral infection
viral conjunctivitis symptoms
- red eye(s)
- watery mucous discharge
- ocular irritation (e.g., burning, FBS)
- Hx of recent upper respiratory infection (URI) or contact with someone with viral conjunctivitis
viral conjunctivitis signs
- conjunctival injection and chemosis
- palpebral follicles*
- tender and/or swollen preauricular lymph nodes
- watery mucous discharge
- eyelid edema
- keratitis: epithelial microcysts in early stages, superficial punctate keratitis (SPK), focal white subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) which may persist for months
- membrane/pseudomembrane with severe inflammation
viral conjunctivitis management
- self-limiting within 2-3 weeks- cold compresses and topical lubricant for palliative treatment
- 5% ophthalmic betadine (povidone-iodine) wash in office- kills the adenovirus and reduces risk of transmission
- topical steroid- highly recommend if SEIs are present; slow taper as SEIs can last for months; may extend the period during which the patient remains infectious
- if a membrane or pseudomembrane is present, peel it with a cotton-tip applicator or smooth forceps; Rx topical steroid to reduce scarring
- discuss hand-washing, avoidance of eye rubbing and towel sharing, and restrict work or school to reduce risk of transmission
viral conjunctivitis pearls:
- viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious as long as ____
- adenovirus particles can survive on dry surfaces for _____
- adenoplus can be used to ____
- spectrum of viral conjunctivitis- most common is _____
- a similar follicular conjunctivitis can occur due to ____
there is tearing/discharge or if the eyes are red (assuming the pt is not using a steroid), typically 10-12 days;
up to 7 weeks;
detect adenovirus and confirm the diagnosis- 90% sensitivity and 96% specificity;
non-specific acute follicular conjunctivitis (mild form);
a toxic reaction to a wide variety of ocular meds (known as toxic conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis medicamentosa)
viral conjunctivitis pearls:
-epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC)
- caused by adenovirus serotypes 8, 19, 37
- occurs in epidemics in workplaces (including hospitals), schools, and swimming pools
- severe form of viral conjunctivitis with corneal involvement in 80% of cases
viral conjunctivitis pearls:
-pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF)
- caused by adenovirus serotypes 3, 4, 7
- pharyngitis (sore throat) and a low grade fever are present
viral conjunctivitis pearls:
-acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
- caused by enterovirus and coxsackie virus
- more common in tropical areas
- marked subconjunctival hemorrhage is present
acute bacterial conjunctivitis
bacterial infection of the conjunctiva
acute bacterial conjunctivitis etiology
- most commonly Staph aureus, Strep pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis- transmission is through direct contact with ocular secretions
- minority of cases due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae- transmission is through direct contact with genital secretions
acute bacterial conjunctivitis demographics
- more common in children and the elderly
- gonococcal infection occurs in sexually active adults
acute bacterial conjunctivitis laterality
unilateral or bilateral
acute bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms
- red eye(s)
- mucous discharge with eyelids stuck together on waking
- ocular irritation (e.g., burning, FBS)
- systemic symptoms may occur in patients with infection from Haemophilus influenzae (otitis media) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (pain/burning while urinating, more frequent urinating, vaginal discharge)
acute bacterial conjunctivitis signs
- conjunctival injection and chemosis
- palpebral papillae
- mucopurulent/purulent discharge*
- eyelid edema
- superficial punctate keratitis (SPK)
- if gonococcal, tender and/or swollen lymph nodes
acute bacterial conjunctivitis management
- self-limiting within 1-2 weeks- broad spectrum topical antibiotic to speed recovery and prevent re-infection and transmission
- remove discharge with saline and/or cotton-tip applicator
- discuss hand-washing and avoidance of towel sharing to reduce risk of transmission
- in severe cases or if no resolution, culture to determine causative organism
- Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae require systemic treatment in addition to a topical antibiotic- H. influenzae can be treated with Augmentin; N. gonorrhoeae should be referred out for 250 mg of IM ceftriaxone and 1 g of oral azithromycin
acute bacterial conjunctivitis pearls:
- suspect gonococcal infection if _____
- if infection occurs in newborns (most commonly N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, HSV-2), called _____
onset is hyperacute (classically within 12-24 hours) with significant discharge;
ophthalmia neonatorum or neonatal conjunctivitis- prophylaxis is routinely performed with 2.5% ophthalmic betadine or eryhtromycin 0.5% ung
(very) general rule:
- if an adult presents with a red eye, think _____
- when a child or elderly patient presents with a red eye, think _____
- if unsure if your diagnosis, you could _____
- if patient is a CL wearer, think ____
viral first (but could be bacterial);
bacterial first (but could be viral);
Rx a combo (ex: tobradex, zylet, maxitrol);
bacterial
inclusion conjunctivitis
(adult chlamydial conjunctivitis)
chlamydial infection of the conjunctiva
inclusion conjunctivitis etiology
- chlamydia trachomatis serotypes D-K: transmission is through direct contact with genital secretions
- is also a version that can be spread to humans from exotic birds
inclusion conjunctivitis demographics
sexually active adults
inclusion conjunctivitis laterality
often starts in one eye and involves the fellow eye within a few days
inclusion conjunctivitis symptoms
- red eye(s)
- mucous discharge
- ocular irritation (e.g., burning, FBS)
- systemic symptoms include pain/burning while urinating, more frequent urinating, vaginal discharge
inclusion conjunctivitis signs
- conjunctival injection
- palpebral papillae and follicles inferior > superior
- tender and/or swollen preauricular lymph nodes
- mucopurulent discharge
- eyelid edema
- keratitis: SPK, SEIs, pannus (vascular fibrous tissue on the corneal surface)
inclusion conjunctivitis management
- azithromycin 1 g in a single dose or doxycycline 100 mg bid PO x 1 week and concomitant topical erythromycin ung x 2-3 weeks
- confirmation of chlamydia through culturing of conjunctival sample or through urinalysis or genital swab
- refer to genitourinary specialist to exclude other STIs and trace sexual partners
inclusion conjunctivitis pearls:
- inclusion conjunctivitis can last ____
- symptoms commonly take ______ and follicles and SEIs can take _____
- chlamydia trachomatis can be a trigger for ____
for months (if a pt has a chronic conjunctivitis that does not resolve with topical antibiotics or steroids, consider chlamydial infection);
weeks to settle after treatment;
months to resolve;
reactive arthritis
trachoma
chlamydial infection of the conjunctiva
trachoma etiology
- chlamydia trachomatis serotypes A-C
- transmission is through direct contact with ocular or nasal secretions
- flies are also a vector
trachoma demographics
children and adults in areas of poor sanitation and crowded conditions
trachoma laterality
bilateral
trachoma symptoms
- red eye(s)
- mucous discharge
- ocular irritation (e.g., burning, FBS, pain)
- blurred vision
trachoma signs
- conjunctival injection
- palpebral papillae and follicles superior > inferior
- limbal follicles superior > inferior
- tender and/or swollen preauricular lymph nodes
- mucopurulent discharge
- eyelid edema
- keratitis superior: SPK, SEIs, pannus
- scarring of the conjunctiva: Herbert’s pits (scarring of limbal follicles), Arlt’s line (scarring of superior tarsal conjunctiva)
trachoma complications
- symblepharon
- cicatricial entropion
- trichiasis
- corneal ulceration
- corneal opacification (scarring)- secondary to cicatricial entropion with trichiasis
symblepharon
adhesion of palpebral conj to bulbar conj
cicatricial entropion
in-turning of the eyelid due to scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva
trichiasis
in-turning of the eyelashes due to entropion
corneal ulceration
stromal thinning with overlying epithelial epithelial defect
trachoma management
- SAFE strategy by WHO: surgery for trichiasis due to entropion, antibiotic for active disease, facial hygiene, environmental protection
- if non-healing epithelial defect or ulceration, consider bandage contact lens or amniotic membrane to relieve symptoms and facilitate healing
- if corneal opacification affects vision, refer for keratoplasty
trachoma pearls:
- leading cause of _____
- overcrowding and poor hygiene lead to _____
preventable, irreversible blindness worldwide;
cycles of re-infection which leads to more severe signs of conjunctival scarring, cicatricial entropion, trichiasis, corneal ulceration and opacification
allergic conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva due to an allergen
allergic conjunctivitis etiology/associations
- seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC)
- perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC)
- contact allergic blepharoconjunctivitis
seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC)
type I hypersensitivity reaction typically caused by tree and grass pollens
perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC)
type I hypersensitivity reaction typically caused by dust mites, animal dander, fungal allergens
contact allergic blepharoconjunctivitis
type IV hypersensitivity reaction typically caused by contact with a substance; most commonly ophthalmic medications cosmetic products
allergic conjunctivitis demographics
no predilection
allergic conjunctivitis laterality
- bilateral for SAC, PAC
- unilateral or bilateral for contact allergic blepharoconjunctivitis
allergic conjunctivitis symptoms
- red eye(s)
- ocular itching- esp at nasal canthus; if contact blepharoconjunctivitis, eyelid itching too
- watery or ropy mucous discharge
- sneezing and nasal discharge if SAC or PAC
allergic conjunctivitis signs
- conjunctival injection and chemosis
- palpebral papillae
- watery or ropy mucous discharge
- eyelid edema
- if contact blepharoconjunctivitis, vesicular rash with scaling/crusting of eyelid skin- if chronic, lichenification (leathery patches of skin) may be present
allergic conjunctivitis management
- identify allergens (consider allergy testing) and avoid them
- palliative therapy (cool compress, topical lubricant, dual action mast cell stabilizer/antihistamine)
- topical steroid in moderate to severe conjunctivitis in addition to above therapy
- if eyelid involvement, steroid ung or cream
- if systemic symptoms, consider recommending OTC systemic medication or referring to PCP
allergic conjunctivitis pearls:
- SAC is typically worse _____
- PAC is ____ and is ____ common and ____ than SAC
- if contact blepharoconjunctivitis only involves the skin, called _____
- patients can exarcebate a conjunctivitis (typically allergic conjunctivitis) by _____; called ____
during spring and summer;
throughout the year (worse in fall); less; milder;
contact dermatitis;
removing mucous from the eye;
mucus fishing syndrome- creates a cycle of inflammation and mucous production
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC)
severe allergic conjunctivitis that also involves the cornea
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) etiology/associations
- type I and IV hypersensitivity reaction induced by nonspecific stimuli (e.g., wind, dust, sunlight)
- commonly associated with other atopic conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema)
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) demographics
- VKC: children, men > women
- AKC: late teenage to 50s
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) laterality
bilateral
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) symptoms
- red eyes
- intense ocular itching
- watery or ropy mucous discharge
- ocular irritation (e.g., burning, FBS, pain)
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) signs
-conjunctival injection and chemosis
-palpebral papillae:
-VKC: giant, cobblestone appearance, superior >
inferior
-AKC: smaller, inferior > superior
-limbal papillae in VKC- may be associated with Horner-Trantas dots (collection of eosinophils)
-discharge:
-VKC: ropy, mucous discharge with deposition
between papillae
-AKC: watery mucous discharge
-eyelid edema
-keratitis: SPK, pannus, shield ulcer (more common in VKC vs AKC)
-atopic dermatitis (eczema) of the eyelid and elsewhere is common in AKC (erythema, scaling/crusting, lichenification)
-conjunctival and eyelid scarring occurs in severe cases of AKC
complications of AKC
- symblepharon
- ciciatricial ectropion
- cicatricial entropion
- trichiasis
- keratoconus due to intense, chronic eye rubbing
- anterior/posterior subcapsular cataract
cicatricial ectropion
out-turning of the eyelid due to scarring of the eyelid skin
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) management
- identify allergens (consider allergy testing) and remove them
- palliative treatment (cool compress, topical lubricant, dual action mast cell stabilizer/antihistamine- start 2-3 weeks before spring starts in VKC)
- topical steroid in moderate to severe conjunctivitis in addition to above therapy
- if shield ulcer, topical antibiotic for prophylaxis of bacterial infection and topical steroid (shield ulcers may need to be scraped to remove superficial plaque-like material before re-epithelialization will occur, may also consider a BCL or amniotic membrane to relieve symptoms and facilitate healing)
- if eyelid involvement, steroid ung or cream or tacrolimus ung
- if entropion, ectropion, or symblepharon, refer for surgery
vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) pearls:
- symptoms of VKC and AKC are similar, though those associated with ____ are more severe and unremitting
- VKC Is worse in _____; typically resolves by ____; ~___% develop AKC later in life
- AKC tends to be _____ and worse in ____; low expectation of _____
AKC; late spring and summer; late teens; 5; year-round; in the winter; resolution
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
allergic conjunctivitis due to mechanical irritation of the tarsal conjunctiva from a foreign body
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) etiology/associations
- contact lenses in 95% of cases (CLPC)- mainly due to build-up of proteinaceous deposits and cellular debris on the CL surface
- other causes include ocular prosthesis and exposed suture
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) demographics
no predilection
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) laterality
unilateral or bilateral
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) symptoms
- red eye(s)
- ocular irritation (e.g., burning, FBS)
- ocular itching
- watery mucous discharge
- if contact lens related, CL intolerance due to excessive movement and FBS upon removal of CL
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) signs
- conjunctival injection and chemosis
- giant palpebral papillae superior
- watery mucous discharge
- if contact lens related, deposits on CLs and excessive CL mobility due to UL capture
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) management
- remove the stimulus if possible (CL wear should be d/c for several weeks)
- palliative therapy (cool compress, topical lubricant, dual action mast cell stabilizer/antihistamine)
- topical steroid in moderate to severe conjunctivitis
- refit in daily disposables (if pt declines, discuss CL hygiene and reduced wearing time)
giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) pearls:
-_____ on all CL patients
evert the UL
superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK)
inflammation of the superior limbus, cornea, bulbar and tarsal conjunctiva
superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) etiology/associations
- idiopathic (may be due to friction between superior tarsal and superior bulbar conj)
- associated with thyroid disease (50% of cases, typically hyperthyroid), dry eye, and CL wear
superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) demographics
- typically occurs between the ages of 45-65 years
- women > men
superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) laterality
bilateral > unilateral