Conjunctivitis

Question 1

What is conjunctivitis?

Answer 1

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye and inside of the eyelids), commonly caused by bacterial or viral or allergy

Question 2

what are the types of conjunctivitis

Answer 2

Bacterial
Viral
Allergic

Question 3

what are the management for bacterial / viral conjunctivitis?

stepwise Mx

Answer 3

Conservative:
Eye hygiene with saline and cotton wool
cold compress
Artifical lubricating eye drops
if Sx severe or not improving

1st: Chloramphenical 0.5 eye drops OR Chloramphenicol 1% oinment
2nd: Fusidic 1% eye drops

Question 4

Allergic conjunctivitis Mx

stepwise Mx

Answer 4

Allergen avoidance
Cold compresses
Artificial lubricating eye drops
if not better then,
Consider topical mast cell stabilisers (e.g., sodium cromoglicate)

Question 5

What needs to be suspected if reccurent conjunctivitis or non-improving Sx with Abx eye drops?

Answer 5

Herpetic conjunctivitis - Viral PCR swab

Question 6

When should a child with conjunctivitis be referred to ophthalmology?

Answer 6

Severe pain, photophobia, or visual loss

Symptoms not improving with treatment

Immunocompromised child

Contact lens wearer

Suspected gonococcal or chlamydial infection (neonates or STI risk)