conjunctivitis

Question 1

definition of conjunctivitis

Answer 1

The conjunctiva is red and inflamed, and the hyperaemic vessels may be moved over the sclera, by gentle pressure on the globe

Question 2

non-infectious causes of conjunctivitis

Answer 2

allergic conjunctivitis - most frequent cause, 15-40% whole pop

toxic

auto-immune

neoplastic

contact lens wearers may develop reaction to presence of a foreign substance

Question 3

infective causes of conjunctivitis

Answer 3

non-herpetic viral (serous discharge) most common - 80% are adenovirus (small lymphoid aggregates appear as follicles on conjunctiva)

bacterial - purulent discharge more prominent, especially in gonococcal infection

Question 4

RF for conjunctivitis

Answer 4

• exposure to infected person
• infection in 1 eye
• env irritants
• allergen exposure
• camps, swimming pools, military bases
• asian/mediterranean young male
• atopy
• contact lens use
• ocular prosthesis
• mechanical irritation

Question 5

epidemiology of conjunctivitis

Answer 5

males and females

all ages

estimated to account for almost 1% of all primary care consultations.[2] In England there are 13-14 cases in 1000 people per year.

Question 6

sx of conjunctivitis

Answer 6

eyes itch, burn, lacrimate

bilateral

discharge sticking lids together

Question 7

signs of conjunctivitis

Answer 7

tender pre-auricular lymphadenopathy

conjunctival follicles - viral

superficial punctate keratopathy - viral

unilateral disease more in bacterial than viral

acuity, pupillary response and corneal lustre are unaffected

Question 8

Ix for conjunctivitis

Answer 8

only can be diagnosed once sight-threatening things are ruled out

conjunctival cultures only needed if suspect gonoccoal/chlamydial infection, neonatal conjunctivitis or recurrent disease not responding to therapy