Conjunctivitis (Allergic, Bacterial, Viral) Flashcards
(39 cards)
What are 4 symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Conjunctival oedema
- No discharge
- Commonly associated hay fever or allergic rhinitis
Does allergic conjunctivitis require a counselling room?
No
What are 13 red flags for referral with allergic conjunctivitis?
- Severe eye pain/swelling
- Loss of, reduced or blurred vision
- Restricted eye movement
- Photophobia
- Injury to eye/presence of foreign body
- General systemic features
- Visual disturbances
- Copious yellow-green purulent discharge
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye syndrome
- Recent trauma i.e., welding without protection/laser eye surgery
- Age < 2 years
- Red/painful, particularly in contact lens wearers
Does allergic conjunctivitis have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Red and Dry Eyes)
What is the preferred treatment option for allergic conjunctivitis?
Loratadine (Claratyne)
What are the directions for loratadine (Claratyne) in allergic conjunctivitis for adults and children over 30 kg?
Oral, 10 mg once daily.
What are the directions for loratadine (Claratyne) in allergic conjunctivitis for adults and children aged 2 to 12 years (and under 30 kg)?
Oral, 5 mg once daily.
What are the directions for loratadine (Claratyne) in allergic conjunctivitis for adults and children aged 1 to 2 years?
Oral, 2.5 mg once daily
What are 2 non-preferred options for allergic conjunctivitis and why?
- Levocabastine 0.05% (Livostin): avoided in pregnancy, harder to use, less likely to help with other symptoms.
- Isotonic saline wash: questionable efficacy
Is loratadine (Claratyne) safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is loratadine (Claratyne) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for loratadine (Claratyne)?
Safe in children over 1
What are 11 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for allergic conjunctivitis?
- Avoid allergens or irritants where possible.
- Stay inside during the morning hours when pollen counts are highest.
- Avoid outdoor activities when trees, flowers or molds that trigger the allergy are present.
- Shower after outdoor exposure to remove pollen that adheres to the hair and skin.
- Close house and car windows to exclude pollen.
- Use an air conditioner in warmer months to reduce indoor humidity; and prevent mould growth.
- Clear air filters regularly.
- Cover pillows and mattresses with impermeable covers to reduce exposure to house dust mites.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
- Limit the presence of dust- collecting furnishing such as curtains, bed skirts, carpeting, and soft toys.
- Vacuuming frequently (at least once a week).
What should you always do for eye complaints?
Request to look at the patient’s eye
What is the most effective way to manage allergic conjunctivitis?
Avoid triggers
What are 5 symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?
- Watery, itchy, irritated eye
- Bilateral, mild discomfort
- Foreign body sensation
- Redness
- Commonly associated with an upper respiratory tract infection
Does viral conjunctivitis require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 13 red flags for referral with viral conjunctivitis?
- Severe eye pain/swelling
- Loss of, reduced or blurred vision
- Restricted eye movement
- Photophobia
- Injury to eye/presence of foreign body
- General systemic features
- Visual disturbances
- Copious yellow-green purulent discharge
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye syndrome
- Recent trauma i.e., welding without protection/laser eye surgery
- Age < 2 years
- Red/painful, particularly in contact lens wearers
Does viral conjunctivitis have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Red and Dry Eyes)
What is the preferred treatment option for viral conjunctivitis?
SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT ONLY: Cold compress to the affected eyes, Lubricating eye drop on an hourly basis if needed, Simple analgesia (paracetamol), Avoid bright lights
Are lubricant eye drops safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Are lubricant eye drops safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What are 4 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for viral conjunctivitis?
- Viral conjunctivitis is contagious: appropriate hygiene is essential.
- Refrain from attending work/school until discharge from the eye has stopped or a doctor has diagnosed a non- infectious conjunctivitis.
- Discard all eye makeups/cosmetics.
- Refrain from using contact lenses whilst experiencing symptoms.
Describe the common timeline with viral conjunctivitis.
Commonly occurs after recovery from viral common cold and cough/ URTI.
