Conjunctivitis

Question 1

Conjunctivitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Bacterial, viral, or allergic.
Unilateral or bilateral.

Question 2

Conjunctivitis presentation

Answer 2

• red eye
• itchy or gritty sensation
• discharge (purulent - bacterial, clear - viral)

Question 3

Differentials for acute painful red eye

Answer 3

• acute angle-closure glaucoma
• anterior uveitis
• scleritis
• corneal abrasions or ulceration
• keratitis
• foreign body
• traumatic or chemical injury

Question 4

Differentials for acute painless red eye

Answer 4

• conjunctivitis
• episcleritis
• subconjunctival haemorrhage

Question 5

Managing conjunctivitis

Answer 5

Self-resolves in 1-2 weeks.
Hygiene measures (cotton wool, sterile water).
Bacterial - chloramphenicol or fuscidic acid eye drops.
Allergic - antihistamines, topical mast cell stabilisers.

Question 6

Eyedrops for bacterial conjunctivitis

Answer 6

• chloramphenicol
• fusidic acid