Conjunctivitis

Question 1

define conjunctivitis

Answer 1

inflammation of the conjuntiva

Question 2

define the conjunctiva

Answer 2

is a thin layer of tissue that covers to inside of the eyelids and the sclera of the eye

Question 3

three main types of conjunctivitis

Answer 3

bacterial

viral

allergic

Question 4

presentation of conjunctivitis 5

Answer 4

unilateral or bilateral

red eyes

bloodshot

itchy or gritty sensation

discharge from the eye

Question 5

what syx are not associated with conjunctivitis 3

Answer 5

does not cause pain, photophobia or reduced visual acuity

-vision may be blurry when the eye is covered with discharge, however when the discharge is cleared the acuitiy should be normal

Question 6

how does bacterial conjunctivitis present 4

Answer 6

with purulent discharge and inflamed conjunctiva

typcially worse in moring when eyes may be stuck together

-usually starts in one eye and then spreads to other

*-it his highly contagious

Question 7

how does viral conjunctivitis present 4

Answer 7

common
-usually presents with clear discharge

often assoc w other syx of viral infection:
-dry cough
-sore throat
-blocked nose

may find tender preauricular lymph nodes (in from of the ears)

also contagious

Question 8

what do more serious acute red eye conditions tend to present like 2

Answer 8

cause pain
and
reduced visual acuity

Question 9

examples of painless red eye 3

Answer 9

conjunctivity

episcleritis

subconjunctival haemorrhage

Question 10

examples of painful red eye 7

Answer 10

glaucoma

anterior uveitis

scleritis

corneal abrasions or ulcerations

keratitis

foreign body

traumatic or chemical injury

Question 11

advice for conjunctivitis management 4

Answer 11

usually resolves without treatmetn after 1-2wks

advice:
-good hygiene to avoid spread(don’t share towels or rub eyes and regular washing hands)
-avoid use of contact lenses
-clean eyes with cooled boiled water and cotton wool to help clear discharge

Question 12

management of conjunctivitis 3

Answer 12

give advice will clear after 1-2wks

if bacterial conjunctivitis suspected
-Abx eye drops considered but will likely get better without treatment
-chloramphenical and fuscidic acid are both options

patients under 1mnth
-need ophthalmology review as neonatal conjunctivitis can be assoc w gonococcal infection
-can cause loss of sight and more severe complications like pneumonia

Question 13

define allergic conjunctivitis

Answer 13

caused by contact with allergens

Question 14

presentation of allergic conjunctivitis 3

Answer 14

swelling of conjunctival sac and eye lid

with significant watery discharge and itch

Question 15

Mx of allergic conjunctivitis 2

Answer 15

antihistamines (oral or topical)
-can reduce syx

topical mast-cell stabilisers
-used in ptx w chronic seasonal syx
-work by preventing mast cells releasing histamines
-require several weeks before showing any benefits