Pink Eye Flashcards
pink eye / conjunctivitis
inflammation of the conjunctiva (mucous membrane that covers sclera and lines inside of eyelids)
- transparent but has blood vessels; vascular
- dilation of blood vessels causes pink/red bloodshot eyes
causes
infectious: bacteria, viruses
allergies
secondary: contact lens related, mechanical, traumatic, toxic, neonatal
diagnosis
- comprehensive eye exam
- patient history
testing
- visual acuity
- evaluation of conjunctiva and external eye tissue
- evaluation of inner structures
bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms
- burning, itchy eyes
- thick mucous discharge
- eye glued shut
- unilateral or bilateral (often only in one eye)
viral conjunctivitis symptoms
- history of prior conjunctivitis
- red, tearing, weeping eyes
- concurrent sore throat, fever, and upper respiratory infection
- swollen lymph node under jaw
- typically starts in one eye, and spread to other
allergic conjunctivitis symptoms
- bilateral redness
- intense itching
- tearing
primary prevention
good hygiene
Why treat if goes away on its own? (7-10, 7-14 days)
- increase patient comfort
- reduce, lessen course of infection or inflammation (early return to work, school)
- prevent spread of infection in contagious forms
treatment: bacterial
- hand washing
- cool compresses, artificial tears as needed
- antibiotics (topical) - eye drops or ointment to shorten infection
- may be necessary in severe cases (bacterial STI, compromised immune system, etc.)
treatment problem
antibiotic resistance
- misuse increases rate at which natural selection for resistance occurs
prescribing for infections that are not bacterial
- useless for viral infections bc not metabolically active (host cell, DNA replication)
allergic reaction
stimulation of nerve cells = causes itching
dilation of blood cells = causes redness
antihistamine to counteract allergic reaction (histamine binds to chemical receptor)
