conjunctivitis Flashcards
what is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, also known as ““pink eye,”” is a common condition that involves inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. This condition can be either infectious (caused by bacteria or viruses) or noninfectious (due to allergies or other irritants).
what are the types of conjunctivitis?
allergic
viral
bacterial
what is allergic conjunctivitis?
caused by a Type I hypersensitivity reaction to allergens in the environment. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. This is the most common type of conjunctivitis, which tends to worsen at certain times of year or in particular environments.
what is viral conjunctivitis>
often caused by adenoviruses but can also be caused by herpes simplex virus. It is highly contagious and often associated with upper respiratory tract infections or colds. This is the most common acute infectious cause.
what is bacterial conjunctivitis?
caused by bacterial infection. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis, so it is important to take a sexual history if suspected.
what is this?
typical appearance of conjuncitivis
features of conjuncitivitis?
Eye redness
Itching
Irritation
Excessive tearing
Discharge from the eyes, which can vary in consistency based on the cause. For example viral aetiologies produce a more watery discharge, wheres bacterial causes produce purulent discharge.
Photophobia, which suggests corneal involvement (keratoconjunctivitis)
what are red flags for more serious causes of red eye?
Reduced visual acuity
Marked eye pain, headache, photophobia
Red sticky eye in a neonate
History of trauma or foreign body
Rapidly progressive discharge
Infection with herpes virus
Contact lens use
Pupil abnormalities or pain on constriction
Loss of red reflex
Blood or pus in the anterior chamber
what will not change in conjunctivitis?
visual acuity
how do you ix conjunctivitis?
conjunctival swabs for bacterial cultures may be taken
mx for allergic conjunctivitis?
Patients are advised to avoid allergens when possible and may be prescribed artificial tears, topical antihistamines, or mast cell stabilisers such as topical sodium cromoglycate.
mx for viral conjunctivitis?
As this form is self-limiting, treatment focuses on symptom relief and prevention of spread through good hygiene practices.
mx for bacterial conjunctivitis?
This form is also generally self-limiting, but in severe cases, topical antibiotics like chloramphenicol and fusidic acid may be recommended.
what should contact lens wearers with conjunctivitis do?
should be managed with an aminoglycoside (e.g. gentamycin) or a quinolone (e.g. levofloxacin or moxifloxacin), to cover for gram -ve organisms. Patients should immediately stop wearing contact lenses until symptom resolution and antibiotic course completion.
how do you safety net patient with conjunctivitis?
In all cases, patients should be advised to seek medical attention if their condition worsens or fails to improve after a week of treatment.
If there is evidence of any red flag signs, patients should be referred urgently to ophthalmology:
Reduced visual acuity
Marked eye pain, headache, photophobia
Red sticky eye in a neonate
History of trauma or foreign body
Rapidly progressive discharge
Infection with herpes virus
Contact lens use
Pupil abnormalities or pain on constriction
Loss of red reflex
Blood or pus in the anterior chamber
