conjuctivitis Flashcards
Questions to ask
unilateral or bilateral?
discharge present?
any itchiness?
pain? nature of pain?
reduced visibility? deep aching pain ( needs to be referred)?
location of redness? corner of the eye(conjunctivitis)
duration? more than 1 week is unusual
photophobia? it is associated with more serious diseaseseg keratitis
any other symptoms? upper respiratory tract infection is a sign of viral conjunctivitis, rhinitis is allergic. vomiting suggests glaucoma
HPC?
pmhx?
family history? to no confirm atopy, no glaucoma.
treatment and advice?
chloramphenicol - bacterial (> 2 years)
antihistamine for allergic.
don’t share towels and personal belongings with family.
dispose of personal belongings after infection to avoid reinfection wash hands.
don’t wear contact lenses during eye treatment.
bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms
both eyes are normally affected purulent discharge gritty feeling of pain generalized distribution of redness no associated symptoms
viral conjunctivitis symptoms
both eyes are affected but one eye is often affected first
watery discharge
gritty feeling of pain
generalized distribution of redness
associated symptoms? cough and cold symptoms
Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms
both eyes affected
watery discharge
itchy eye
generated redness but greatest at the fornices
associated symptoms? rhinitis and may have family hx of atopy
duration up to a week should be referred
treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis
it is self-limiting usually clears within 2-5days
give chloramphenicol
advise the patient to use lukewarm water to bathe the eyelid and remove any discharge
use towels to wipe the eyelid and throw it away immediately
wash hands regularly and avoid sharing pillows
treatment of viral conjunctivitis
symptoms eased by bathing the eyelids to remove any discharge and using lubricant eye drops
weeping and redness would resolve usually in 10-12days
