Infective conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye problem presenting to primary care. It is characterised by sore, red eyes associated with a sticky discharge
| Type |
Features |
| Bacterial conjunctivitis |
Purulent discharge |
| (Eyes may be 'stuck together' in the morning) |
|
| Viral conjunctivitis |
Serous discharge |
| Recent URTI |
|
| Preauricular lymph nodes |
|
Management of infective conjunctivitis
- normally a self-limiting condition that usually settles without treatment within 1-2 weeks
- topical antibiotic therapy is commonly offered to patients, e.g. Chloramphenicol. Chloramphenicol drops are given 2-3 hourly initially whereas chloramphenicol ointment is given qds initially
- topical fusidic acid twice daily is an alternative and should be used for pregnant women.
- contact lens users
- topical fluoresceins should be used to identify any corneal staining
- treatment as above
- contact lens should not be worn during an episode of conjunctivitis
- advice should be given not to share towels
- school exclusion is not necessary