(GP) (Infection)

Overview

• Very common inflammation of the conjunctiva (the mucus membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and the sclera) caused by bacteria, viruses, allergic reactions, mechanical irritation or medicines
• Affects men, women and children of all ages
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children, and viral conjunctivitis is more common in adults.
• The most common bacterial pathogens in infective conjunctivitis include Pneumococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae
• Viral conjunctivitis (MOST COMMON) can be caused by adenovirus, herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, varicella zoster, molluscum contagiosum, coxsackie, and enteroviruses

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features:

• Red Eye → due to ocular hyperemia
• Discharge and crust formation
• Itching (most intense in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis)
• Swelling of eyelids
• Photophobia
• Bacterial → unilateral, thick purulent discharge (yellow crusting), eyes may be stuck together in morning
• Viral → bilateral (begins unilateral then progresses to bilateral), clear watery discharge, recent URTI