infective conjunctivitis

Question 1

what are the features seen in bacterial conjunctivitis?

Answer 1

• purulent discharge
• eyes may be ‘stuck together’ in the morning

Question 2

what are the features seen in viral conjunctivitis?

Answer 2

• serous discharge
• recent URTI
• preauricular lymph nodes

Question 3

how is infective conjunctivitis managed?

Answer 3

• normally self-limiting, settle without rx within 1-2 wks
• topical abx therapy commonly offered to pts e.g. chloramphenicol
• don’t wear contact lens
• don’t share towels
• school exclusion not necessary

Question 4

how is chloramphenicol given initially?

Answer 4

• drops are given 2-3 hourly
• ointment is given qds

Question 5

what is an alternative for chloramphenicol and should be used for pregnant women?

Answer 5

topical fusidic acid 2x daily

Question 6

A 24-year-old man presents with a two day history of a red right eye. When he woke up this morning his right eye was ‘stuck together’. Pupils are equal and reactive and the visual acuity is 6/5 in both eyes when viewing a Snellen chart.

what mx option is the most appropriate?

Answer 6

topical chloramphenicol