Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common symptom of conjunctivitis that is often accompanied by itching or burning?
What is a common symptom of conjunctivitis that is often accompanied by itching or burning?
Which type of conjunctivitis is caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances?
Which type of conjunctivitis is caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances?
What is the primary treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?
What is the primary treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?
What is a potential complication of untreated conjunctivitis?
What is a potential complication of untreated conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic of viral conjunctivitis?
What is a characteristic of viral conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a distinguishing feature of bacterial conjunctivitis?
What is a distinguishing feature of bacterial conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
How long does viral conjunctivitis typically resolve on its own?
How long does viral conjunctivitis typically resolve on its own?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants?
Which type of conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary cause of redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva in conjunctivitis?
What is the primary cause of redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva in conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common symptom of conjunctivitis that may be accompanied by crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes?
What is a common symptom of conjunctivitis that may be accompanied by crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?
What is the recommended treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic that distinguishes viral conjunctivitis from bacterial conjunctivitis?
What is a characteristic that distinguishes viral conjunctivitis from bacterial conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a possible complication of untreated conjunctivitis?
What is a possible complication of untreated conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis?
What is the purpose of topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Symptoms
- Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye)
- Discharge or pus in the eye, which may be thick and yellow or greenish in bacterial conjunctivitis
- Itching, burning, or grittiness in the eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning
- Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear
Causes
- Viral conjunctivitis: most common cause, usually caused by adenovirus
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Allergic conjunctivitis: caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances
- Irritant conjunctivitis: caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis: caused by irritation from contact lenses or other foreign objects
Treatment
- Viral conjunctivitis: no specific treatment, but symptoms can be managed with lubricating eye drops and cold compresses
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment
- Allergic conjunctivitis: treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications
- Irritant conjunctivitis: treated by removing the irritant and applying lubricating eye drops
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis: treated by removing the foreign object and applying lubricating eye drops
Complications
- Corneal ulcers: open sores on the cornea, which can lead to vision loss
- Chronic conjunctivitis: long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Blepharitis: inflammation of the eyelids
- Dry eye syndrome: chronic dryness of the eyes
- Scarring: permanent scarring of the cornea
Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis
-
Viral conjunctivitis:
- More common than bacterial conjunctivitis
- Often accompanied by a cold or sore throat
- No discharge or a watery discharge
- Resolves on its own within 7-14 days
-
Bacterial conjunctivitis:
- Less common than viral conjunctivitis
- Often accompanied by a thick, yellow or greenish discharge
- Responds to antibiotic treatment
- Can lead to complications if left untreated
Symptoms
- Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, accompanied by discharge or pus in the eye, which may be thick and yellow or greenish in bacterial conjunctivitis
- Itching, burning, or grittiness in the eyes, excessive tearing, and blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light, crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning, and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear
Causes
- Viral conjunctivitis, caused by adenovirus, is the most common cause
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances
- Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis is caused by irritation from contact lenses or other foreign objects
Treatment
- Viral conjunctivitis is managed with lubricating eye drops and cold compresses, with no specific treatment
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment
- Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications
- Irritant conjunctivitis is treated by removing the irritant and applying lubricating eye drops
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis is treated by removing the foreign object and applying lubricating eye drops
Complications
- Corneal ulcers, open sores on the cornea, can lead to vision loss
- Chronic conjunctivitis, long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva, can occur
- Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, can be a complication
- Dry eye syndrome, chronic dryness of the eyes, can occur
- Scarring, permanent scarring of the cornea, is a possible complication
Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis is more common, often accompanied by a cold or sore throat, and has no discharge or a watery discharge
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common, often accompanied by a thick, yellow or greenish discharge, and responds to antibiotic treatment
- Viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own within 7-14 days, while bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to complications if left untreated
Conjunctivitis
Symptoms
- Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Discharge or pus in the eye, often thick, yellow or greenish
- Itching, burning, or gritty sensation in the eye
- Excessive tearing
- Swollen eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes
Causes
- Viral infections (most common)
- Bacterial infections (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus)
- Allergies
- Irritants (e.g., chemicals, cosmetics)
- Dry eyes
- Contact lens use
- Blocked tear ducts
- Poor hygiene
Treatment
- Viral conjunctivitis: cold compresses, artificial tears
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: antibiotic eye drops or ointment
- Allergic conjunctivitis: avoidance of allergen, antihistamine eye drops
- Topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers for allergic conjunctivitis
- Pain relief medications (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis: more common, no discharge or thin, watery discharge, no effective treatment, but resolves on its own
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: less common, thick, yellow or greenish discharge, responds to antibiotic treatment
Complications
- Corneal ulcers or perforation (rare)
- Chronic conjunctivitis
- Dry eye syndrome
- Increased risk of corneal scarring or vision loss if left untreated
- Secondary infections (e.g., cellulitis)
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Identify the common symptoms and causes of conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, including viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Test your knowledge of the signs and symptoms of this eye condition.
