Acute conjunctivitis

Abstract

Eye problems account for 1.5% of GP consultations in the UK, with a rate of 50 consultations per 1000 population per year. This equates to a yearly cost of 22 billion to the UK’s economy. It has been shown that 50% of sight loss could be avoided through improved eye care services and early detection of problems. To highlight this point, eye health has been chosen by the RCGP as a clinical priority between 2013 and 2016, with a particular focus on the elderly population and sight loss. Data obtained from GPs has revealed that 10–15% of the eye conditions that present to primary care involve the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is a particularly beneficial area about which to be knowledgeable, as it is one of the most common non-traumatic eye complaints and in many cases it is straightforward and self-limiting. This article aims to address what constitutes conjunctivitis, the different types, the clinical findings, and management including when to involve specialist services. It will also look at the differential diagnoses of the presenting symptom of the acute red eye.