Conjunctivitis Overview Quiz

What is the first step necessary in managing conjunctivitis according to the treatment guidelines?

Which of the following actions is NOT recommended for managing conjunctivitis?

What should be done if conjunctivitis does not improve within 24 hours of treatment?

Which of the following hygiene practices is important to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis?

What is a common symptom of unresolved conjunctivitis that patients should be aware of?

What is the most common type of conjunctivitis?

Which cardinal symptom is associated with conjunctivitis?

Which type of conjunctivitis typically presents with thick, yellow, sticky exudate?

What additional history should be queried for patients suspected of having bacterial conjunctivitis?

Which exam finding is most commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis?

When should a patient with conjunctivitis be referred to an ophthalmologist?

What underlying cause can lead to non-infectious conjunctivitis?

Which type of conjunctivitis is characterized by severe pruritus without exudate?

Conjunctivitis Overview

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the sclera
Usually self-limiting
Most common types: viral, bacterial, or allergic
- Viral accounts for 80% of acute cases, adenovirus most frequent
- Bacterial more common in children, gram positives
- Allergic involves IgE-mediated inflammation, seasonal, vernal, or atopic
Transmission: close quarters like schools, nursing homes, or camps
Non-infectious: drug-induced, autoimmune, contact lens irritation

Physical Exam

Examine eyelids, lashes, surrounding skin, and pupils
Cardinal Symptoms: itching, watering, redness
Foreign body sensation, fullness around the eye
Bacterial: thick, yellow, sticky exudate, worse in the morning, unilateral
Viral: profuse tearing (minimal itching and exudate), pre-auricular adenopathy, systemic symptoms of viral infection, bilateral
Allergic: presents bilaterally, severe itching, moderate tearing, no exudate, accompanies allergy symptoms
Referral to ophthalmologist: visual loss, photophobia, severe eye pain, irregular pupillary response

Diagnostics

Check visual acuity
Ophthalmologist performs dilated pupillary exam, fluorescein staining, ultraviolet illumination
Gram stain and culture if suspecting N. gonorrhoeae or prolonged severe conjunctivitis

Treatment

Refer to ophthalmologist
Treatment depends on etiology
Lubrication with artificial tears, frequent cleansing
Avoid topical corticosteroids
Hot or cold compresses for relief
Patching of the eye not recommended

Patient Education

Unresolved conjunctivitis can impair vision
If conjunctivitis worsens within 24 hours despite treatment, urgent referral is necessary
Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent spread:
- Hand washing
- Clean towels, do not share towels
- Avoid touching eyes
- Avoid contact lenses until infection resolves

Test your knowledge on the different types of conjunctivitis and their characteristics. This quiz covers the inflammation of the conjunctiva, symptoms, transmission, and physical examination findings. Explore various scenarios including viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis.