Conjunctivitis

Question 1

What are the causes of conjunctivitis?

Answer 1

• Describes inflammation of the
  conjunctiva, a membrane covering
  the anterior white part of the eye
  (sclera) and the inside of the
  eyelids.
• Can become inflamed due to
  infection, allergy or irritation.
• Infection can be caused by either
  viruses or bacteria.
• Viral conjunctivitis is the most
  common and does not require treatment.
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Seasonal
• Associated with allergic rhinitis
  symptoms

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Answer 2

• Viral conjunctivitis is often
  accompanied by other signs of viral respiratory tract infection, such as cough and cold.
• Main symptoms of conjunctivitis
  ¬> redness or ‘pinkness’
  ¬> uncomfortable gritty sensation
  ¬> a discharge
• Sticky and purulent discharge =
  bacterial infection
• Watery discharge = viral infection

Question 3

What are the referral symptoms for conjunctivitis?

Answer 3

• Clouding of the cornea
• Associated vomiting
• Possible foreign body in the eye
• Irregular pupil shape
• Photophobia
• Eye pain
• Changes in vision
• Bacterial
  ¬> No improvement within 48hrs
  of treatment

Question 4

What are the OTC treatments for conjunctivitis?

Answer 4

• Viral
  ¬> No specific OTC preparations
  ¬> Symptoms may be eased by
  bathing the eyelids to remove
  any discharge and using
  lubricant eye drops.
• Bacterial
  ¬> Chloramphenicol

Question 5

What is the general advice for infective conjunctivitis?

Answer 5

• Viral and bacterial causes are highly contagious
  ¬> A patient will remain infectious until the redness and weeping resolve (usually in 10–12 days).
• Self-help and hygiene measures should be recommended and include the following:
  ¬> Bathe the eyelids with lukewarm water to remove any
  discharge.
  ¬> Use tissues to wipe the eyes and throw away immediately.
  ¬> Wash hands regularly and avoid sharing pillows and towels.
• Contact lenses should not be worn.

Question 6

How is chloramphenicol licensed and applied?

Answer 6

• Drops or ointment
• Licensed for use in children older than 2 years.
• Drops: One drop every 2 hours for the first 48 hours and then reducing to four times a day for
  a maximum of 5 days of treatment.
• Ointment: should be used three or four times a day.