Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis typically presents with:

• Red, itchy eye + discharge

• No photophobia or vision loss

Allergic conjunctivitis

Presentation:

• Red eyes with very serous discharge, and chemosis if severe

• Symptoms are seasonal or occur when exposed to allergens

Management:

• Avoid allergen and use artificial tears (dilutes the allergen)

• Topical antihistamines may be given if conservative measures fail

Viral conjunctivitis

Presentation:

• Red eyes with very serous discharge, but is more likely to be unilateral

  
  

Management:

• Self-limiting, so treated with good eye hygiene, use of artificial tears, and regular hand hygeine

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Causes:

• Staphylococcus epidermis, Staph aureus, Strep pneumoniae and H.influenzae, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea (take a sexual hx if suspected)

Presentation:

• Red, itchy eyes with purulent discharge

• Eyelids ‘stuck’ together in the morning

Management:

• 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