conjunctivitis

Question 1

features of bacterial conjunctivitis

Answer 1

purulent discharge
eyes stuck together in morning

Question 2

features of viral conjunctivitis

Answer 2

serous discharge
recent URTI
preauricular lymph nodes
petechial subconjunctive haemorrhages

Question 3

mx of infective conjunctivitis

Answer 3

self limiting
chloramphenical (topical) - gievn 2-3 hourly for 2 days, then TDS/QDS
chloramphenical ointment - QDS
topical fusidic acid - pregnant - BD

advice
* clean eyelids with cotton wool soaked with sterile saline / boiled and cooled water
* cool compress
* lubricating agents
* dont share towels
* no school exclusion

Question 4

contact lens users mx of infective conjunctivitis

Answer 4

topical fluresceins to identify any corneal staining
same rx
dont wear contact lenses in episode of conjunctivitis

Question 5

features of allergic conjunctivitis

Answer 5

bilateral
itch
conjunctival erythema, and swelling (chemosis)
eyelid swollen
hx of atopy
seasonal

Question 6

mx of allergic conjunctivitis

Answer 6

topical / systemic antihistamines
2nd line - topical mast cell stabilisers eg sodium cromoglicate and nedocromil

Question 7

red flags that need urgent opthal assessment in suspected conjunctivitis

Answer 7

reduced acuity
eye pain / headache / photophobia
red sticky eye in neonate
hx trauma
copious rapidly progressing discharge - gonorrhoea
herpes
contact lens use with photophobia and watering

Question 8

ix for conjunctivitis

Answer 8

clinical
swabs if dont respond to initial rx