Conjunctivitis Handout PDF

8/25/2024 Eye Conditions: Conjunctivitis NU RS641 F NP1 Pre pared and Presente d by Lori -Jeanne West ©Lori-Jeanne West, 2024 Rep roduction of th is mater ia l is proh ibited w ith out the auth or’s co n...

8/25/2024 Eye Conditions: Conjunctivitis NU RS641 F NP1 Pre pared and Presente d by Lori -Jeanne West ©Lori-Jeanne West, 2024 Rep roduction of th is mater ia l is proh ibited w ith out the auth or’s co nsen t. Postin g or sharin g of these mate rials w itho ut the autho r’s con sen t is a copyright vio lation. Overview and Presentation Inflammation of the conjunctiva (muc ous membrane) covering the sclera Usually self-limiting Most c ommon types: viral, bacterial, or allergic – Viral acco unts for 80% of acute cases, adeno virus mo st commo n, extreme ly contagious – Bacterial more co mmon in children than adults, g ram po sitive m ost com mon – Allergic involves IgE -mediated inflamma tion , sea son al, vernal, atopic Transmission: close quarters lik e s chools, nurs ing homes, camps Non-infec tious: drug induc ed, autoimmune, irritation from contact lenses 1  8/25/2024 Physical Exam Examine eyelids , lashes, surrounding skin, pupils, r/o viral infection – Cardinal Symp toms: Itching , Watering, R edness of the eye – F oreign bod y sensation, fullness around th e eye Bacterial: thick, yellow, s ticky exudate, worse in the morning, unilateral – Ask a bout sexu al a ctivity to rule out chlamydial infectio n Viral: profuse tearing (minimal pruritis and exudate), pre-auricular adenopathy, sys temic symptoms of viral infection, bilateral Allergic: presents bilaterally, severe pruritis, moderate tearing, no exudate, accompanies allergy k nown allergy symptoms Refer to Ophthalmologist: visual loss, photophobia, severe eye pain, irregular pupillary response Diagnostics Check visual acuity Opthalmologist will perform dilated pupillary exam, fluorescein staining, ultraviolet illumination Gram stain and culture if suspecting N. gonorrhoeae or prolonged severe conjunctivitis Differentials Determine underlying cause – Diagnoses: Dunphy: Table 19.1, page 283 2  8/25/2024 Treatment Refer to ophthalmologist Treatment dependent on etiology: see Drugs Commonly Prescribed, Dunphy: figure 19.1 page 279 Lubrication with artificial tears, frequent cleansing by lavage Avoid topical corticosteroids Hot or cold compresses for local relief Patching of the eye not recommended Patient Education Unresolved conjunctivitis can impair vision If conjunctivitis worsens within 24 hrs with treatment urgent referral is warranted Proper hygeine is imperative to prevent spread o Hand washing o Clean towels, do not share towels o Avoid touching eyes o Avoid contact lenses until infection resolves References Buttaro, T.M., Polgar-Bailey, P., S and berg -Cook, J., & Trybulski, J. (202 1). Primar y care: Interpro fess ion al collabor ative pr actice (6th ed.). Elsevier. Du nphy, L. M., Win land-Brow n, J. E., Porter, B. O., & Thomas, D. J. ( 2022). Primar y care: The ar t and science of advanced pr actice nurs in g and inter professional approach (6th ed.). F. A. Davis Company. 3