Conjunctivitis
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Introduction
The Case of...
Causes and Risk Factors
Allergic conjunctivitis
Itching, tearing,
quick response to topical antihsitamines and vasoconstrictors
prevent 2e bacterial infection with antibiotic eye drops
Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Staphylococci (MRSA is emerging)
- Streptococci
- Pneumococci
- Gonococcus
- Haemophilus
- Chlamydia
redness and mucopurulent discharge
Unfortunately, antiobiotic resistance is increasing.
Viral
- adenovirus
- herpes viruses
watery discharge, often bilateral
preauricular and submandibular lymphadenopathy
highly contagious
Risk factors
- contact lenses
- diabetes
Pathophysiology
Bacterial causes include:
- Staphylococcus
Signs and Symptoms
- history
- physical exam
History
Physical Exam
Investigations
- lab investigations
- diagnostic imaging
Lab Investigations
Diagnostic Imaging
Differential Diagnosis
Treatments
Viral conjunctivitis
Colder compresses, topical decongestants, topical degenstantt
Topical betadine may be helpful for both viral and bacterial disease; the eye should be irrigated with saline after treatment.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Antibiotic treatment shortens duration, gets people back to work, reduces spread. Immediate therapy is warranted if the patient is a health care provider, or if there is risk factors.
There are a variety of antibiotics available (fig from AAFP), and there are similar cure rates, given the volume of antiobiotic product that is placed on the eye.
Delayed therapy is feasible if followup is available, if there is no risk factors.
Consequences and Course
Resources and References
Topic Development
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