Conjunctivitis

Question 1

Cause and definition of conjunctivitis

Answer 1

Painful red eye
Inflammation of conjunctiva (transparent covering the white of the eye)
Inflamed due to infection, allergy or irritation

Question 2

Treatment timescale of conjunctivitis

Answer 2

With treatment should resolve within 5 days

Question 3

Symptoms of infective conjunctivitis

Answer 3

Painful, gritty sensation and a discharge
Discharge is sticky and purulent (pus) in bacterial infections
Discharge is watery in viral infections.
Nearly always infects both eyes
If one eye infected, then possible foreign body or another condition

Question 4

Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms

Answer 4

Irritation
Discomfort
Watery discharge
Mostly occurs in hay fever season

Question 5

Ear problems other than conjunctivitis

Answer 5

Corneal ulcers -due to an infection or traumatic abrasion like contact lenses. Pain and surrounding inflammation present.
Glaucoma
Iritis/uveitis

Question 6

Referral criteria for conjunctivitis

Answer 6

<2 years of age
Pain
Recent eye surgery
Visual disturbance 
Severe symptoms

Question 7

Lifestyle advice for conjunctivitis

Answer 7

• Self limiting in 2-5 days, recommend gentle cleansing of affected eyes with cotton wool (one for each eye) soaked in water even if treatment is given
• avoid rubbing the eyes, washing hands after touching the eyes
• Wash eyes with boiled-cooled water
• use a cold compress to relieve itching
• avoid sharing towels and pillows
• if treating someone with conjunctivitis, wash hands regularly
• contact lenses must not be worn until infection is cleared and 24 hours after
• washing eye with saline (salt in water) or OTC eyewash can help wash away any foreign bodies

Question 8

name 2 drugs used for conjunctivitis treatment

Answer 8

Chloramphenicol

Propamide isethionate

Question 9

Chloramphenicol eye drops symptoms, directions for use, counselling

Answer 9

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis
Apply every 2 waking hours for the first 48 hours then QDS for 5 days
>2yrs

Question 10

Brolene eye drops
(propamidine isothionate)
Symptoms, directions, warnings

Answer 10

Treatment of minor eye infections
Adults and children: 1-2 drops into affected eyes up to QDS
If no improvement after 2 days seek medical advice