Conjunctivitis

Question 1

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva - what is the conjunctiva?

Answer 1

Thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the sclera

Question 2

Name 2 things conjunctivitis may present with

Answer 2

• Red eyes
• Bloodshot
• Itchy or gritty sensation
• Discharge from the eye

Question 3

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

How is the discharge from the eye differ from bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 4

Purulent in bacterial, clear in viral and watery in allergic

Question 5

At what point of the day is bacterial conjunctivitis worse?

Answer 5

Morning

Question 6

Patients under the age of 1 month of age with conjunctivitis need urgent ophthalmology review as neonatal conjunctivitis can be associated with what infection?

Answer 6

Gonococcal infections

Question 7

Conjunctivitis usually resolves without treatment after 1-2 weeks but if the cause is bacterial, what antibiotic can be used?

Answer 7

Chloramphenicol or fusidic acid