Eye infections Flashcards
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
Red conjunctiva Dilated blood vessels in whites of eyes Chemosis - oedema of conjunctiva Foreign body sensation/gritty Photophobia
Viral vs. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Viral - bilateral, clear watery discharge, other features of viral infection
Bacterial - mostly unilateral, thick purulent discharge, other features of bacterial infection e.g urethritis and reactive arthritis
Management of viral conjunctivitis
Artificial tears and cool compresses around eye
Prevent spread e.g use separate towel
See school/nursery exclusion policy
Return to GP if not resolved in 1 week - viral PCR, bacterial culture and empirical ABx. Also consider ophthalmology referral
Management of bacterial conjunctivitis
Resolves within 1 week without treatment
Only give antibiotic eye drops if severe or need rapid resolution (chloramphenicol)
See school/nursery exclusion policy
Return to GP if not resolved in 1 week - viral PCR, bacterial culture and empirical ABx. Also consider ophthalmology referral
Advice for conjunctivitis in patient with contact lenses
Immediately stop contact lens use
Regularly wash eyes with cotton wool soaked in sterile saline or cooled boiled water
Put contact lenses back in when all symptoms have resolved
What is trachoma
Eye infection with chlamydia trachomatis
Symptoms of acute and chronic trachoma
Acute: folliculitis of eyelid, purulent discharge
Chronic: conjunctival scarring, entropion (eyelid turns inwards), trichiasis (eyelashes grow inwards), corneal ulceration
Treatment of trachoma
Oral azithromycin
Surgery
Hygiene measures
Difference between trachoma and paratrachoma
Different route of infection
Trachoma: direct
Paratrachoma: during childbirth in infected mother, sexually I.e genitals to hands to eyes
What is keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Reduced tear formation leading to gritty sensation of eyes
Treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Artificial tears
If symptoms persist, topical corticosteroids
