Conjunctivitis

Question 1

3 characteristic features of conjunctivitis?

Answer 1

• Sore eye
• Red eye
• Sticky discharge

Question 2

4 most common causative bacteria

Answer 2

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Moraxella Catarrhalis
• Haemophilus influenza

Question 3

rare cause of conjunctivitis that usually affects children

Answer 3

Neisseria meningitidis

Question 4

signs of bacterial conjunctivitis

Answer 4

• lid crusting

- mucopurulent discharge

Question 5

presentation of bacterial conjunctivits

Answer 5

acute onset of redness, discomfort, discharge, eyelid crusting,

Question 6

name 3 other causes of acute red eye

Answer 6

• anterior uveitis
• infectious keratitis
• acute angle closure glaucoma

Question 7

management of bacterial conjunctivitis, and when should it be started?

Answer 7

started if symptoms had not been resolved within 3 days

Chloramphenicol QDS for up to 1 week

Question 8

risk factors for bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 8

• contact lens wearer
• recent URTI
• DM
• steroids
• blepharitis

Question 9

in bacterial conjunctivitis the patient often presents with acute onset of ____

Answer 9

red, painful, discomfort of eye and eyelid crusting

Question 10

what is a 2nd line alternative to chloramphenicol for management for bacterial conjnuctivits

Answer 10

fusidic acid

Question 11

what advice is given to patients for the management of bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 11

• irrigation to remove excessive discharge
• contact lense advice
• do not share towels

Question 12

advice to contact lense wearers with bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 12

discontinue wear for 48 hours following resolution of symptoms

Question 13

name 3 bacterial infections of conjunctive that require systemic antibiotics

Answer 13

• gonococcal
• h. influenza
• meningococcal

Question 14

what is the presentation of viral conjunctivitis

Answer 14

red 
itchy 
watery 
serous discharge 
recent URTI

Question 15

what is viral conjunctivitis most commonly caused by?

Answer 15

Adenovirus

Question 16

what is the transmission route of viral conjunctivitis

Answer 16

contact with respiratory or ocular secretions e.g. contaminated towels

Question 17

self care measures for viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 17

• cleaning eyelids with cotton wool soaked in sterile saline OR boiled and cooled water to remove discharge
• cool compress applied gently around the eye
• lubrication/artificial eye drops

Question 18

how long should individuals avoid close contact for?

Answer 18

up to 14 days from onset of symptoms

Question 19

what may allergic conjunctivitis be associated with?

Answer 19

Hayfever

Question 20

pharmacological management of viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 20

Both topical antivirals and antibacterials are ineffective.

Question 21

what can be given for symptom relief in viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 21

• artificial tears + lubricating ointments

- topical antihistamines for severe itching

Question 22

Presenting symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 22

Bilateral itching, redness, chemosis (conjunctival swelling)

May be seasonal (due to pollen) or perennial

Question 23

perennial causes of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 23

• dust mite
• washing powder
• other allergens
• mould
• animals

Question 24

1st line management of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 24

topical antihistamines

Question 25

2nd line management of allergic conjunctivitis?

Answer 25

topical mast cell stabilizer e.g. Sodium cromoglicate or Nedocromil