Abstract
Conjunctivitis is a common condition characterised by inflammation of the conjunctiva and is the most likely diagnosis in a patient with a red eye and discharge. Acute conjunctivitis is usually a self-limiting condition or one that is easily treated with topical ophthalmic preparations in most cases. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of conjunctivitis followed by bacterial conjunctivitis. Purulent discharge and adherence of the eyelids upon awakening are strong indicators of bacterial conjunctivitis, however other similarities in presentation of conjunctivitis often leads to misdiagnoses. Acute viral conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by adenoviruses and allergic conjunctivitis is usually caused by seasonal pollens. Acute viral conjunctivitis is treated symptomatically while the use of topical antibiotics are useful in limiting the duration of conjunctivitis with a bacterial aetiology. Allergic conjunctivitis is also treated symptomatically with topical antihistamine/mast cell stabiliser preparations. Conjunctivitis secondary to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea require systemic antimicrobials in addition to topical treatment.
Highlights
Aetiology and clinical manifestationsAcute conjunctivitis can be classified as infectious or noninfectious and further divided into four types as outlined in Table 1.1-3 The condition can be classified as acute, hyperacute or chronic depending on the mode of onset and severity of clinical response
Conjunctivitis is a common condition characterised by inflammation of the conjunctiva and is the most likely diagnosis in a patient with a red eye and discharge
A purulent discharge is often indicative of a bacterial conjunctivitis whereas a watery discharge is more characteristic of a viral conjunctivitis; with pruritis mostly associated with allergic conjunctivitis.[23,24,25]
Summary
Acute conjunctivitis can be classified as infectious or noninfectious and further divided into four types as outlined in Table 1.1-3 The condition can be classified as acute, hyperacute or chronic depending on the mode of onset and severity of clinical response. It can be primary or secondary to systemic diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, in which case systemic treatment is warranted.[4]. Clinical experience suggests that most infectious conjunctivitis is viral in both adults and children. Published studies suggest that the majority of cases in children are bacterial.[1,2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
