Conjunctivitis (2)

Question 1

How does it typically present?

How does allergic conjunctivitis present?
→ How is it managed?

How does viral conjunctivitis present?
→ How is it managed?

How does bacterial conjunctivitis present?
→ What are its common causes?
→ How is it managed?

Answer 1

➊ • Red, itchy eye + discharge
• No photophobia or vision loss

➋ • Red eyes with very serous discharge, and chemosis if severe
• Symptoms are seasonal or occur when exposed to allergens
→ • Avoid allergen and use artificial tears (dilutes the allergen)
• Topical antihistamines may be given if conservative measures fail

➌ • Red eyes with very serous discharge, but is more likely to be unilateral
→ Self-limiting, so treated with good eye hygiene, use of artificial tears, and regular hand hygeine

➍ • Red, itchy eyes with purulent discharge
• Pt usually complains of eyelids being ‘stuck’ together in the morning
→ Staphylococcus epidermis, Staph aureus, Strep pneumoniae and H.influenzae, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea (take a sexual hx if suspected)
→ • Self-limiting and resolves in 7 – 14 days, so eye drops can be used for lubricating, symptomatic relief
• In severe cases, topical chloramphenicol can be given