Conjunctivitis

Question 1

What is conjunctivitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the sclera and inner eyelids.

Question 2

What are the main types of conjunctivitis?

Answer 2

Infective (bacterial or viral), allergic, and irritant conjunctivitis.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 3

Redness, purulent discharge, gritty sensation, and eyelids stuck together in the morning.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 4

Watery discharge, redness, foreign body sensation, and often associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 5

Itchy eyes, redness, watery discharge, and swelling of the conjunctiva (chemosis).

Question 6

What is the most common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 6

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Question 7

What is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 7

Adenovirus, often linked to upper respiratory tract infections.

Question 8

What is the pathophysiology of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 8

Hypersensitivity reaction to allergens causes histamine release, leading to inflammation and itching.

Question 9

What are the clinical signs of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 9

Conjunctival redness, purulent discharge, and eyelid oedema.

Question 10

What are the clinical signs of viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 10

Conjunctival redness, watery discharge, preauricular lymphadenopathy, and sometimes keratitis.

Question 11

What are the clinical signs of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 11

Bilateral conjunctival redness, watery discharge, itching, and conjunctival oedema.

Question 12

What is the role of swabs in conjunctivitis?

Answer 12

To identify causative pathogens in severe, recurrent, or treatment-resistant cases.

Question 13

How is bacterial conjunctivitis treated?

Answer 13

Topical antibiotics such as chloramphenicol or fusidic acid for moderate to severe cases.

Question 14

How is viral conjunctivitis treated?

Answer 14

Supportive care with artificial tears, cold compresses, and good hygiene to prevent spread.

Question 15

How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?

Answer 15

Antihistamine eye drops (e.g., olopatadine) or mast cell stabilisers, and avoidance of allergens.

Question 16

What are the complications of untreated bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 16

Corneal involvement (keratitis), scarring, or chronic conjunctivitis.

Question 17

What is the prognosis for viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 17

Usually self-limiting and resolves within 1-2 weeks without treatment.

Question 18

What are the risk factors for bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 18

Poor hygiene, contact lens wear, and recent upper respiratory infections.

Question 19

What are the risk factors for allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 19

Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander.

Question 20

What investigations are typically needed for conjunctivitis?

Answer 20

Usually a clinical diagnosis; swabs may be taken in severe or atypical cases.

Question 21

What is the role of hygiene in managing conjunctivitis?

Answer 21

Prevents spread, especially in viral and bacterial conjunctivitis; includes hand washing and avoiding eye rubbing.

Question 22

What is chemosis?

Answer 22

Swelling of the conjunctiva, commonly seen in allergic conjunctivitis.

Question 23

How does irritant conjunctivitis occur?

Answer 23

Exposure to irritants such as smoke, chlorine, or chemical splashes causes non-infective conjunctival inflammation.

Question 24

What is neonatal conjunctivitis?

Answer 24

Conjunctivitis occurring in the first month of life, often caused by infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia.

Question 25

Why is conjunctivitis often called “pink eye”?

Answer 25

The redness of the conjunctiva gives the eye a characteristic pink appearance.