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Questions and Answers
What are the main parts of the conjunctiva that cover the eye?
The main parts are the palpebral conjunctiva, bulbar conjunctiva, and fornices.
Describe the relationship between the palpebral conjunctiva and the tarsal plate.
The palpebral conjunctiva is adherent to the tarsal plate and cannot be easily dissected.
What is the significance of the conjunctival fold, or cul-de-sac, in eye anatomy?
The cul-de-sac allows for free movement of the eyeball and acts as a loose but thick membrane.
What types of cells are present in the conjunctival epithelium and what is their function?
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What are the constituents of the substantia propria of the conjunctiva?
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How do accessory lacrimal glands contribute to the health of the eye?
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What role do tears play in eye hygiene?
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What is the location and function of the caruncle in the conjunctival anatomy?
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How does lysozyme in lacrimal fluid contribute to eye health?
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What role does the rapid reformation of conjunctival epithelium play in ocular protection?
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Identify two types of discharge that might indicate inflammation of the conjunctiva.
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What are follicles in the conjunctiva, and what may cause their formation?
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Describe the appearance and cause of giant papillae in the conjunctiva.
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What might cause chemosis in the conjunctiva?
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How do focal collections of lymphocytes in the conjunctiva relate to specific infections?
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What results from severe inflammation of the conjunctiva related to exudation?
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What are the clinical sure signs of corneal issues related to trachoma?
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What are the indications for oral azithromycin in treating trachoma?
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What are the recommended treatments for acute non-infective conjunctivitis?
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How can one manage chronic canaliculitis with epiphora?
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What are some surgical options for trachoma-related eye conditions?
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What symptoms are characteristic of acute allergic conjunctivitis?
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What approach should be taken when dealing with hypersensitivity in conjunctivitis patients?
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What are the differences between follicular and papillary conjunctivitis in terms of causes?
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What characterizes the endpoint of cicatrization in ocular healing?
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What are the typical manifestations of superficial keratitis?
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How does a trachomatous pannus typically present in the cornea?
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What are the consequences of complete resolution of trachomatous pannus?
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What symptoms might a patient with trachomatous pannus experience?
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What is a common characteristic of typical trachomatous ulcers?
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What condition can result from local scarring around the lid margin in trachoma?
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What are some potential complications associated with chronic trachoma?
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What are the characteristics of the discharge when papillae are exposed by lid eversion?
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Describe the bulbar type of conjunctivitis.
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What are Tranta’s spots?
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How does the palpebral type of conjunctivitis differ from papillary trachoma?
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What symptomatic treatments are recommended for conjunctivitis?
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What precautions should be taken in the case of allergic conjunctivitis?
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What is the nature of the degeneration seen in elderly patients related to UV exposure?
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What are the implications of prolonged use of topical steroids in treating conjunctivitis?
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What is the primary condition affecting the conjunctival tissues mentioned in the content?
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List two potential environmental factors contributing to the development of pterygium.
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Describe the visual symptoms associated with pterygium.
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What differentiates progressive pterygium from regressive pterygium?
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What are the indications for surgical excision of pterygium?
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What is a key distinguishing feature of pseudo-pterygium compared to pterygium?
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What surgical methods are available for the treatment of pterygium?
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Why is it advised not to operate on small asymptomatic stationary pterygium?
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What surgical procedure may be indicated when the cornea is affected?
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What treatment is known to prevent recurrence during surgery for conjunctival conditions?
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Which condition is characterized by a cobblestone appearance of the conjunctiva?
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In which condition are follicles not typically observed?
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What should be avoided regarding bandaging in cases of corneal ulcers?
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What is symblepharon and how is it typically formed?
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How do pseudo-membranes appear and what is their characteristic feature upon removal?
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Explain the difference between conjunctival and ciliary injection.
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What types of conjunctivitis are classified under bacterial infections?
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What are the common bacterial agents responsible for purulent conjunctivitis in neonates?
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What are the implications of using adrenaline on conjunctival vessels?
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What is the recommended preventive measure for purulent conjunctivitis in newborns?
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Identify at least two common causes of conjunctival symblepharon formation.
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Describe the appearance of follicles and their potential causes in the conjunctiva.
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Describe the conjunctival appearance during the infiltration stage of membranous conjunctivitis.
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What systemic manifestations are associated with the infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae?
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What are the main characteristics of papillae seen in conjunctivitis?
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What should be suspected if a newborn shows any discharge from the eyes during the first week of life?
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What treatment may be necessary for severe cases of purulent conjunctivitis in newborns?
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What distinguishes the discharge during the stage of discharge in membranous conjunctivitis?
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How does washing the baby's body from above downward help prevent infections during delivery?
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What type of antibiotic treatment is recommended for purulent conjunctivitis in severe cases?
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What is the most common causative organism of purulent conjunctivitis?
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Describe the clinical manifestations during the infiltration stage of gonococcal conjunctivitis.
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What local treatment options are recommended for gonococcal conjunctivitis?
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What complication can arise from gonococcal conjunctivitis if not treated properly?
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How does purulent conjunctivitis typically progress over time?
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Why is it advised against using bandages for purulent conjunctivitis?
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What specific symptom indicates the presence of enlarged tender pre-auricular lymph nodes in purulent conjunctivitis?
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What is the primary distinction between progressive and regressive pannus?
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What are Herbert's rosettes and their significance in corneal pathology?
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Describe the healing outcome if the basement membrane is destroyed during the resolution of trachomatous pannus.
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What clinical features are associated with typical trachomatous ulcers?
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Explain the role of xerosis in ocular pathology related to trachoma.
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What are the implications of cicatricial entropion in patients with trachoma?
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What symptoms are commonly associated with corneal issues in trachoma patients?
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What occurs during the healing process of superficial keratitis as observed with fluorescein?
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What degenerative condition is characterized by vascularized granulation tissue encroaching upon the cornea?
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What environmental factor is considered most significant in the development of pterygium?
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What is the primary symptom associated with pterygium that patients may experience?
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What distinguishes progressive pterygium from regressive pterygium?
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What surgical method is indicated for a symptomatic or progressive pterygium?
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How can one differentiate between pterygium and pseudo-pterygium?
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What are the visible components of a pterygium described in the clinical picture?
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What is the common recommendation for small, asymptomatic stationary pterygium?
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Which type of conjunctivitis is characterized by a discharge that is mucopurulent?
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What is the causative agent primarily responsible for trachoma conjunctivitis?
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Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of purulent conjunctivitis?
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In which type of conjunctivitis is conjunctival chemosis most commonly observed?
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What preventative measure can help reduce the transmission of conjunctivitis in infected individuals?
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What is a key characteristic of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis?
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Which condition is likely to lead to corneal ulceration if there is additional abrasion of the cornea during infection?
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What is the main symptom of conjunctivitis that may lead to the gluing of lashes in the morning?
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What is the primary cause of purulent conjunctivitis in the first month of life?
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Which bacterium is most commonly associated with purulent conjunctivitis in newborns?
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What preventive measure should be taken to protect newborns from conjunctivitis?
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What symptom should be viewed with suspicion in a baby during the first week of life?
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What type of conjunctivitis is linked to non-immunized children?
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Which systemic symptoms can accompany conjunctival infections?
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When a membrane separates in membranous conjunctivitis, what does it leave behind?
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What should be done frequently to manage purulent conjunctivitis?
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What is a local complication of cicatrization in the conjunctiva?
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Which symptom is associated with acute viral conjunctivitis?
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What type of treatment is administered to neutralize the diphtheritic exotoxin?
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Which of the following indicates a general complication of diphtheritic infection?
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What is a commonly observed sign of adenoviral conjunctivitis?
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Which condition may result from viral conjunctivitis if cornea is affected?
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Which of the following is a preventive measure against diphtheria?
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What kind of discharge is typically seen in conjunctival infections?
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What is a clinical sure sign of corneal issues related to trachoma?
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What is the recommended treatment for chronic canaliculitis with epiphora?
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Which medication should be used as a first-line treatment for active trachoma?
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What is typically seen in a patient experiencing acute allergic conjunctivitis?
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Which of the following is a common treatment for non-infective conjunctivitis?
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What type of body can be identified in conjunctival scrapings when diagnosing certain conditions?
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Which of the following represents a hypersensitivity reaction seen in conjunctivitis?
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What is a common characteristic of conjunctivitis caused by environmental allergens?
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What is characteristic of the healing process in trachomatous pannus?
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Which feature differentiates progressive pannus from regressive pannus?
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What is a symptom associated with corneal ulcers due to trachoma?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of superficial keratitis?
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What condition can result from chronic meibomianitis?
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What describes the appearance of corneal follicles in the context of trachoma?
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Which of the following outcomes is expected if the basement membrane is destroyed during healing?
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What symptom might occur due to trichiasis in trachoma?
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What are the adhesions formed between the conjunctiva and the cornea called?
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Which of the following is NOT a common cause of symblepharon?
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What characteristic feature differentiates conjunctival injection from ciliary injection?
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Which type of conjunctivitis is specifically associated with mucopurulent discharge?
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What is the typical appearance of follicles in the conjunctiva?
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Which blood vessel type is more marked at the fornix during conjunctival injection?
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Which condition is least likely to result in keratitis?
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What aspect of conjunctival injection results in a tortuous appearance of blood vessels?
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Which type of conjunctivitis is specifically categorized as purulent conjunctivitis in adults?
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What is a significant characteristic of viral conjunctivitis as discussed?
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Which condition is indicated as a chronic infective conjunctivitis?
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Which agent is associated with causing epidemics of conjunctivitis during specific months?
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Which symptom is NOT typically associated with purulent conjunctivitis?
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What could occur if the cornea is abraded during a purulent conjunctivitis infection?
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Which management strategy is emphasized for individuals infected with conjunctivitis?
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What is the course of purulent conjunctivitis if left untreated?
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Which condition is characterized by a cobblestone appearance of the conjunctiva?
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In which condition are follicles not typically observed?
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What is the primary causative agent of angular conjunctivitis?
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Herbert’s pits are associated with which ocular condition?
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Which type of conjunctivitis is associated with true membranous conjunctivitis?
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Which bacterial agent is NOT typically associated with causing purulent conjunctivitis in newborns?
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What is the recommended treatment method for severe cases of purulent conjunctivitis in neonates?
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What symptom indicates that any discharge from a newborn's eyes during the first week of life should be taken seriously?
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Which of the following options is FALSE regarding the clinical stages of membranous conjunctivitis caused by diphtheriae?
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What is NOT a preventive measure for purulent conjunctivitis in newborns?
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Which of the following is a common systemic manifestation associated with ocular symptoms of membranous conjunctivitis?
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In cases of purulent conjunctivitis, which treatment method is recommended for frequent use at night?
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What is a defining characteristic of the discharge in the second stage of diphtheritic conjunctivitis?
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What local complication can result from cicatrization in the conjunctiva?
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Which condition is primarily associated with the diphtheritic exotoxin complications?
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Which of the following treatments is specifically indicated for corneal ulcers in conjunctivitis cases?
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How does acute viral conjunctivitis typically manifest in terms of conjunctival follicles?
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Which preventative measure is essential against diphtheria-related complications?
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What is a common characteristic of adenoviral conjunctivitis?
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Which of the following describes treatment for acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis?
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What complication could arise from the closure of ducts in the lacrimal system?
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Which sign is NOT associated with clinical manifestations of trachoma?
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What is the most appropriate treatment option for chronic canaliculitis with epiphora?
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What reaction occurs minutes after exposure to allergens in acute allergic conjunctivitis?
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Which of the following treatments is appropriate for acute non-infective conjunctivitis?
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What is the role of atropine in the treatment of ocular conditions mentioned?
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What is a common characteristic of discharge typically associated with papillary conjunctivitis?
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In the management of conjuctivitis, which of the following is NOT considered a symptomatic treatment?
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What differentiates papillary conjunctivitis from trachomatous conjunctivitis?
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What is a key characteristic of follicles formed in chronic conjunctival infection?
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Which statement accurately describes the mode of transmission for Chlamydia trachomatis?
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What type of healing occurs in the conjunctiva following chronic infection?
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What is a significant complication of untreated trachoma?
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Which environmental factor significantly contributes to the prevalence of trachoma?
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What is the role of topical povidone iodine in treating conjunctival infections?
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What type of lesions are formed in the conjunctiva during the progression of chronic trachoma?
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What significant figure is associated with the world's trachoma blind population?
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Study Notes
Applied Anatomy of Conjunctiva
- Thin, translucent, vascular mucous membrane covering underside of eyelids and reflected over anterior part of eyeball to limbus
- Considered the wrapping membrane of the eye
- Covers both upper and lower lids
- Palpebral conjunctiva adheres to tarsus, difficult to dissect
- Very thin
- Marginal conjunctiva starts at grey line, merges into sub-tarsal groove
- Tarsal conjunctiva is thin, transparent, highly vascular, adheres closely to tarsal plate
- Orbital conjunctiva lies between proximal border of tarsal plate and fornix
- Bulbar conjunctiva covers anterior part of eyeball
- Loosely attached to underlying tissue but firmly adherent to Tenon's capsule 3mm around the limbus
Parts of the Conjunctiva
- Palpebral Conjunctiva: Covers inner surface of eyelids.
- Bulbar Conjunctiva: Covers the anterior surface of the eyeball.
- Fornix: Fold where palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva meet.
- Caruncle: Small fleshy mass at the inner corner of the eye.
- Plica Semilunaris: Crescent-shaped fold of conjunctiva at inner corner.
Conjunctiva Histology
-
Epithelium: Stratified squamous, non-keratinized epithelium containing goblet cells that secrete mucus.
- Connective tissue underlying epithelium:
- Superficial adenoid layer: fine fibrous network, infiltrated by lymphocytes and few mast cells and histocytes
- Deep fibrous layer: thick collagenous and elastic fibers (absent over tarsal region).
- Connective tissue underlying epithelium:
- Substantia Propria: Layer with glands, like Krause and Wolfring's glands
Blood Supply, Lymphatic Drainage, and Conjunctival Infection
- Anterior and posterior conjunctival arteries and veins
- Preauricular and submandibular lymph nodes
- Micro-organisms are washed out by tears' flow
- Lysozyme inhibits micro-organism multiplication
- Conjunctival epithelium desquamation and rapid reformation is a barrier
- Abundant lymphoid tissue in conjunctiva
Pathological Manifestations of Conjunctival Inflammations
- Irritation: Discomfort, itching, burning, foreign body sensation. Discharge like watery, mucoid, mucopurulent, or purulent
- Chemosis: Edema of subepithelial connective tissue (conjunctival injection)
- Hyperemia: Blood vessel dilatation; focal lymphocyte collections in conjunctiva
- Follicles: Lymphocyte collections in conjunctiva (prominent in inferior fornix as gelatinous elevations)
- Viral Infections: Adenovirus, Herpes, Molluscum contagiosum, Chlamydia (trachoma, adult inclusion conjunctivitis)
- Drug Reactions: Atropine, Epinephrine, glaucoma medications
Papillae and Giant Papillae
- Non-specific response to chronic irritation, epithelial proliferation with vascular core, seen on superior tarsal conjunctiva as red bumps with central vessels
- Causes: chronic infections, allergy
- Giant papillae: Chronic inflammation causes these papillae to fuse and enlarge
Membranes and Pseudo Membranes
- Damage to conjunctival vessels and surface epithelium can lead to fibrin, inflammatory cells, necrotic cells formation on surface, raw bleeding surface
- Symblepharon: Adhesions between conjunctiva parts
- Causes of adhesions: Diphtheric conjunctivitis, alkali/acid burns, severe viral infections
- Pseudo-membranes: Formed by discharge and exudates; easily removable, leaving intact epithelium
Conjunctival Injection (Blood Vessels)
- Bright red in color; tortuous and dilated blood vessels
- Superficial, moves freely with conjunctiva; marked at fornix; vessels not blurred
- Constriction by adrenaline
- Posterior conjunctival vessels
- Causes: conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcer, iridocyclitis
Classification of Conjunctivitis
- Acute Infectious: Mucopurulent, Purulent (gonococcal, ophthalmia neonatorum), Membranous (pseudo or true)
- Chronic Infectious: Adenoviral, hemorrhagic, herpetic, Angular, Trachoma (Chlamydia)
- Non-infectious: Hypersensitivity to exogenous allergen (vernal, atopic, giant papillary), hypersensitivity to endogenous allergen (phlyctenular)
Mucopurulent Conjunctivitis (MPC)
- Causative agents: Koch-Weeks bacillus, S. aureus, epidermidis, Pneumococci
- Symptoms: discomfort, redness, mucopurulent discharge, haloes around light, heat sensation
- Signs: lid edema, conjunctival hyperemia, mucopurulent discharge, gluing of lashes, conjunctival edema, petechial hemorrhage
Purulent Conjunctivitis
- Acute suppurative inflammation with pus formation and enlarged lymph nodes
- Causative agents: Gonococci (80%), Streptococci, Staphylococci
- Types: Epidemic (summer), Genital (auto-infection), Ophthalmia neonatorum
- Clinical features: Incubation period (few hours to 3 days)
- Initial stage (infiltration): Lid edema, tenderness, marked conjunctival edema, marked hyperemia. Later (Discharge) stage: decreased lid edema, decreased edema and hyperemia, profuse purulent discharge.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
- Conjunctival inflammation in newborns, usually due to contamination
- Causative agents: Gonococci, Chlamydia, Herpes Simplex, Other bacteria
- Prevention: Washing the baby, penicillin/broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Treatment: Local antibiotic eye drops, frequent discharge removal, systemic antibiotics
Membranous Conjunctivitis
- Rare, affects non-immunized children
- Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria (incubation period 12-72 hours)
- Systemic manifestations: Infection of the throat/nasopharynx, fever, malaise
- Ocular manifestations:
- Stage of infiltration: Lid edema, redness, tenderness,
- Conjunctival edema, yellowish exudation, scanty mucopurulent discharge. True grayish membrane possibly covering the palpebral conjunctiva
- Stage of discharge: Marked hyperemia, purulent, blood-stained discharge, sloughed membrane,
- Septic granulation tissue with thick yellow pus when the membrane separates
Trachoma
- Chronic infection of conjunctiva, cornea
- Causative agent: Chlamydia trachomatis
- Characterized by: Formation of follicles and papillae in the upper tarsal conjunctiva, Formation of pannus in the upper cornea, Healing occurs by cicatrisation
- Based on 2022 WHO data: 125 million people at risk of blindness, 1.9 million affected, before antibiotic availability, trachoma was the leading cause of preventable blindness globally
Acute Viral Conjunctivitis
- Typically adenoviral, haemorrhagic, herpetic
- Acute follicular conjunctivitis, follicles formation
- Symptoms: Droplet infection, sore throat, red eye with conjunctival follicles (more in lower palpebral conjunctiva and lower fornix). Preauricular lymphadenopathy, subconjunctival hemorrhages, photophobia, watery discharge
- Treatment: No specific treatment, usually self-limiting, artificial tears, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, Antivirals for corneal affection, Povidone iodine 5% drops
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (Spring Catarrh)
- Chronic bilateral allergic inflammation of conjunctiva, usually affecting children (5–25 years) during spring and summer
- Etiology: Allergic reaction to unknown exogenous factors (dust, pollen)
- Symptoms: Itching, lacrimation, hyperemia, photophobia, blepharospasm, scant whitish ropy mucoid discharge
- Palpebral type: Large flat-topped papillae give a cobblestone appearance on the tarsus, absence of papillae in the fornix, bluish-white to red papillae formed of central fibrous tissue rich in eosinophils, covered by thick epithelium, center and edges of papillae have tiny blood vessels, sticky milky white film of discharge rich in eosinophils.
Mixed Type, Bulbar Type of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
- Mixture of palpebral and bulbar types, generally more severe
- Bulbar type: Manifests as gelatinous limbal masses formed of hypertrophied epithelium, with CT core, and hyaline degeneration, usually starts at upper limbus then all round, white spots, Tranta's spots.
- Other corneal manifestations:
- Fine punctate epithelial keratitis, Rarely vernal corneal ulcers
- Differential diagnosis: Palpebral should differentiate from papillary trachoma, bulbar from limbal phlycten
- Diff Dx: Giant papillary conjunctivitis: Foreign bodies
Acute Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Hypersensitivity to airborne plant/animal allergens (asthma, hay fever, atopy).
- Symptoms: Itching, eyelid swelling (minutes after exposure), watery or mucoid discharge, hyperemia, edema of lids & conjunctiva
- Treatment: Remove the cause, cold compresses, astringent/vasoconstrictor drops, artificial lubricants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antiallergic eye drops, topical steroids
Chronic Non-infective Conjunctivitis
- Hypersensitivity to endogenous antigen(tuberculo-protein, intestinal parasites, septic foci, staphylococcal blepharoconjunctivitis
- Symptoms: Irritation, discomfort, burning, foreign body sensation, watery/mucoid discharge, photophobia, blepharospasm (especially with corneal affection)
- Signs: Rounded, raised nodules (phlycten), greyish/yellowish in color, commonly at limbus/bulbar conjunctiva, formed of lymphocytic aggregation covered by intact epithelium (ulcerating with secondary infection), small area of congestion
- Treatment(s), no specific
Pinguecula/Pterygium
- Pinguecula: Degenerative condition affecting elderly, common in dry sunny climates, usually on the nasal side of the limbus
- Characterized by: Hyaline degeneration of subepithelial conjunctival tissue with elastoid tissue, deposits, triangular shape (base towards cornea)
- Treatment: No treatment needed, excision for cosmetic reasons if necessary
- Pterygium: Degenerative condition, subconjunctival tissue proliferation, vascularised granulation tissue invading cornea, often unknown cause, commonly in dry climates
- Treatment(s): Excision, grafting (conjunctival auto-graft, limbal stem-cell graft, amniotic membrane).
Differential Diagnosis
- Important to consider other conditions that might have similar symptoms.
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