Conjunctivitis Flashcards
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
Conjunctiva
Thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the sclera of the eye
Types of conjunctivitis
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Allergic
Presentation of conjunctivitis
Unilateral or bilateral
Red eyes
Bloodshot
Itchy or gritty sensation
Discharge from the eye
(No change in visual acuity, photophobia or pain)
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Purulent discharge
Worse in the morning
Usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other
Highly contagious
Viral conjunctivitis
Clear discharge
Worse in the morning
Viral prodrome - cough, sore throat and blocked nose
Tender preauricular lymph nodes
Contagious
Presents bilaterally
Gritty feeling in eye
Differential diagnosis of painless red eye
- Conjunctivitis
- Episcleritis
- Subconjunctival Haemorrhage
Differential diagnosis of painful red eye
- Glaucoma
- Anterior uveitis
- Scleritis
- Corneal abrasions or ulceration
- Keratitis
- Foreign body
- Traumatic or chemical injury
Management
of conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis usually resolves without treatment after 1-2 weeks.
Advice:
- good hygiene
- avoid contact lenses
- cooled boiled water and cotton wool
Mx of bacterial conjunctivitis
Antibiotic eye drops - Chloramphenicol or fuscidic acid
can be self resolving
Patients under the age of 1 month of age with conjunctivitis
Urgent ophthalmology review
Neonatal conjunctivitis can be associated gonococcal infection and can cause loss of sight and pneumonia
Cause of allergic conjunctivitis
Contact with allergens
Pathophysiology of allergic conjunctivitis
Causes swelling of the conjunctival sac and eye lid with a significant watery discharge and itch
Presentation of allergic conjunctivitis
Watery discharge
Bilateral
Itchy red eyes
Seasonal
History of atopy
Management of allergic conjunctivitis
Avoid allergen
Antihistamines
Topical mast-cell stabilisers - sodium cromoglycate
