#20. Inflammatory diseases of the conjunctiva – signs and symptoms

Question 1

What is CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the Conjunctiva (Mucous Membrane that COVERS the FRONT of the eye + LINES inside of the Eyelids)

Question 2

What are the 2 FORMS of CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Answer 2

1) INFECTIVE
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Chlamydial
- Fungal

2) NON-INFECTIOUS
- Allergic
- Refractory Errors
- Mechanical / Physical / Chemical Impacts
- Dry Eye Syndrome

Question 3

What are the 2 TYPES of SYMPTOMS for CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Answer 3

1. Subjective Symptoms
2. Objective Symptoms

Question 4

What are the SUBJECTIVE SYMPTOMS of CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Answer 4

• Foreign Body Sensation
• Burning
• Gritty Irritation
• Itching

Question 5

What are the OBJECTIVE SYMPTOMS of CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Answer 5

• Hyperaemia = DUE to INCREASED FILLING of Conjunctival Blood Vessels
• DISCHARGE
  a. SEROUS = Viral or Toxic
  b. PURULENT = Bacterial
  c. MUCOUS = Sicca or Vernal
  d. MUCOPURULENT = Chlamydia
  e. MEMBRANOUS = Diphtherial
• OEDEMA
  a. CAUSE Circulation Disorders
  b. INFLAMMATION of PERIOCULAR Tissues

c. In FOLLICES = Viral, Chlamydia or Toxic

d. In PAPILLAE = HYPERPLASTIC Conjunctival Epithelium Growth; Bacterial

e. In PHYCTENAE = DENSE GREYISH TRANSLUCENT Nodule at the LIMBUS