Conjunctivitis

Question 1

Define conjunctivitis.

Answer 1

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eyeball caused by bacteria, viruses, allergic or immunological reactions, mechanical irritation, or medicines.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of conjunctivitis.

Answer 2

Exposure to infected person
Infection in one eye
Environmental irritants
Allergen exposure
Camps, swimming pools, military bases
Asian or Mediterranean young male
Atopy
Contact lens use
Ocular prosthesis
Mechanical irritation

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of conjunctivitis.

Answer 3

Conjunctivitis commonly affects males and females of all ages. It is usually treated by general practitioners and is estimated to account for almost 1% of all primary care consultations. In England there are 13-14 cases in 1000 people per year.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of conjunctivitis. Recognise the signs of conjunctivitis on physical examination.

Answer 4

Watery discharge
Ropy, mucoid discharge
Purulent discharge
Itching predominant symptom
Eyelids stuck together in morning
Tender, preauricular lymphadenopathy

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for conjunctivitis and interpret the results.

Answer 5

Rapid adenovirus immunoassay