Acute red eye Flashcards
(139 cards)
What is conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
Conjunctivitis can be caused by
Bacterial
Viral
Allergic
Most common noninfectious cause of conjunctivitis
Allergic
Most common infectious cause of conjunctivitis
Viral
What are the causative pathogens of viral conjunctivitis
Adenovirus
Herpes simplex
Herpes zoster
Molluscum contagiosum
Most common cause of viral conjunctivitis
Adenovirus
What are the general symptoms of viral conjunctivitis
Red eyes
WATERY discharge
Grittiness in the eye
NO change in visual acuity / photophobia
NO pain
What specific symptoms does herpes simplex conjunctivitis cause
Vesicles on the eyelids and on the skin around the eyes
What specific symptoms does herpes zoster conjunctivitis cause
shingles rash
Viral conjunctivitis is usually unilateral / bilateral
Unilateral
Patients with viral conjunctivitis often also have
Viral URTI
Management of viral (non-herpes) conjunctivitis
Self limiting
Cold compress
Lubricating eye drops
Prevent spread by washing hands and avoid sharing towels
How long are patients with viral conjunctivitis infective for
up to 14 days
Management for herpetic conjunctivitis (HSV and herpes zoster)
Antiviral - ganciclovir
Bacterial conjunctivitis mostly affects
Children
Elderly
What are the causative pathogens of bacterial conjunctivitis in neonates
S aureus
Chlamydia trachomatis
Neisseria gonorrhoea
What are the causative pathogens of bacterial conjunctivitis in children-elderly
Strep pneumoniae
S aureus
H influenza (esp in children)
Chlamydia
What is the name for conjunctivitis in neonate
Ophthalmia neonatorum - conjunctivitis occurring in first 28 days of life
Chlamydia can cause ophthalmia neonatorum. How does this occur
Contamination from the maternal genital tract
What are the general symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis
Red eyes
YELLOW PURULENT discharge
Grittiness
“eyelids being stuck together in the morning”
NO change in visual acuity / photophobia
When should you suspect chlamydia as the cause of bacterial conjunctivitis
Bilateral conjunctivitis in young adults
May have symptoms of vagnitis / urethritis
Unresponsive to treatments
Management of bacterial conjunctivitis
Lubricating eye drops and cool compression
Prevent spread
Topical antibiotics if indicated
Swab and culture if unresponsive
When are topical antibiotics indicated in bacterial conjunctivitis
If symptoms do not resolve withn 3 days of onset
What topical antibiotics are used for bacterial conjunctivitis
Topical chloramphenical
Topical fusidic acid (second line)