Conjunctivitis Flashcards
What is conjunctivitis?
Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergic, immunological reactions or infections
What is the conjunctiva?
-A thin, transparent mucous membrane lining the anterior part of the sclera.
-Under the surface of the eyelids
What different types of conjunctivitis are there?
-Bacterial conjunctivitis
-Viral conjunctivitis
-Allergic conjunctivitis
What is another name for conjunctivitis?
Pink eye
What are some signs and symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis?
-Eyes difficult to open in the morning
-Sticky with discharge
-Unilateral or bilateral
What are some signs and symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?
-Redness
-Watery and gritty sensation
-Unilateral or bilateral
What is viral conjunctivitis often associated with?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)
What products can be bought OTC for treating viral conjunctivitis?
-Topical antihistamines (e.g. xylometazoline)
-Dual action mast cell stabilisers (e.g. sodium cromoglycate)
-Mast cell stabiliser/antihistamine combinations (e.g. azalastine)
What products can be bought OTC for treating bacterial conjunctivitis?
Chloramphenicol eye drops
What is a POM which can be prescribed for treating bacterial conjunctivitis?
Fusidic acid
How does chloramphenicol help treat bacterial conjunctivitis?
Reversibly binds to bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis
How does fusidic acid help treat bacterial conjunctivitis?
-Inteferes with bacterial protein synthesis, preventing the translocation of the elongation factor G (EF-G) from the ribosome.
-Inhibits chloramphenicol acetyltransferase enzymes
What is the most common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis?
-Streptococcus pneumoniae
-Staphylococcus aureus
-Haemophilus influenzae
What is the most common causes of viral conjunctivitis?
Adenovirus
Is acute conjunctivitis self limiting?
Yes
How long does viral conjunctivitis take to resolve?
7 days
How long does bacterial conjunctivitis take to resolve?
5-10 days
Who should not be prescribed chloramphenicol?
-Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
-Hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients
-History of myelosuppression during exposure to chloramphenicol
-Family history of blood dyscrasia including aplastic anaemia
Which age group is restricted from using chloramphenicol eye drops?
Under 2 years
Who should not be prescribed fusidic acid?
-Hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients
-People who wear contact lenses should be advised not to use them during treatment with fusidic acid
How common is allergic conjunctivitis?
Affects 40% of the population
Signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
-Bilateral
-Itching
