Conjunctivitis Flashcards
What is conjunctivitis?
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the sclera and inner eyelids.
What are the main types of conjunctivitis?
Infective (bacterial or viral), allergic, and irritant conjunctivitis.
What are the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Redness, purulent discharge, gritty sensation, and eyelids stuck together in the morning.
What are the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?
Watery discharge, redness, foreign body sensation, and often associated with upper respiratory tract infections.
What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
Itchy eyes, redness, watery discharge, and swelling of the conjunctiva (chemosis).
What is the most common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
What is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis?
Adenovirus, often linked to upper respiratory tract infections.
What is the pathophysiology of allergic conjunctivitis?
Hypersensitivity reaction to allergens causes histamine release, leading to inflammation and itching.
What are the clinical signs of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Conjunctival redness, purulent discharge, and eyelid oedema.
What are the clinical signs of viral conjunctivitis?
Conjunctival redness, watery discharge, preauricular lymphadenopathy, and sometimes keratitis.
What are the clinical signs of allergic conjunctivitis?
Bilateral conjunctival redness, watery discharge, itching, and conjunctival oedema.
What is the role of swabs in conjunctivitis?
To identify causative pathogens in severe, recurrent, or treatment-resistant cases.
How is bacterial conjunctivitis treated?
Topical antibiotics such as chloramphenicol or fusidic acid for moderate to severe cases.
How is viral conjunctivitis treated?
Supportive care with artificial tears, cold compresses, and good hygiene to prevent spread.
How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?
Antihistamine eye drops (e.g., olopatadine) or mast cell stabilisers, and avoidance of allergens.
What are the complications of untreated bacterial conjunctivitis?
Corneal involvement (keratitis), scarring, or chronic conjunctivitis.
What is the prognosis for viral conjunctivitis?
Usually self-limiting and resolves within 1-2 weeks without treatment.
What are the risk factors for bacterial conjunctivitis?
Poor hygiene, contact lens wear, and recent upper respiratory infections.
What are the risk factors for allergic conjunctivitis?
Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander.
What investigations are typically needed for conjunctivitis?
Usually a clinical diagnosis; swabs may be taken in severe or atypical cases.
What is the role of hygiene in managing conjunctivitis?
Prevents spread, especially in viral and bacterial conjunctivitis; includes hand washing and avoiding eye rubbing.
What is chemosis?
Swelling of the conjunctiva, commonly seen in allergic conjunctivitis.
How does irritant conjunctivitis occur?
Exposure to irritants such as smoke, chlorine, or chemical splashes causes non-infective conjunctival inflammation.
What is neonatal conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis occurring in the first month of life, often caused by infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia.
Why is conjunctivitis often called “pink eye”?
The redness of the conjunctiva gives the eye a characteristic pink appearance.
