Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common condition that affects the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can cause redness, itching, discharge, and discomfort in one or both eyes.
There are three main types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Each type has its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing how to differentiate and treat the different types of conjunctivitis can help you provide better care for your patients and prevent complications or transmission.
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by various viruses, such as adenovirus, herpes simplex, or varicella-zoster. It is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds or flu. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with eye secretions or respiratory droplets.
Viral conjunctivitis usually affects one eye first, then spreads to the other eye within a few days. It may cause watery discharge, itching, burning, or foreign body sensation in the eye. The eye may also appear swollen or have a pink or red hue.
Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting and does not require specific treatment. However, you can prescribe artificial tears, cold compresses, or antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. You should also advise your patients to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently, avoiding touching their eyes, and disposing of used tissues properly. You should also advise them to avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, pillows, or cosmetics.
You should refer your patients to an ophthalmologist if they have severe pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), blurred vision, or corneal involvement. These may indicate keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), which can cause permanent damage to the eye if left untreated.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by various bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects.
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes at the same time. It may cause purulent discharge, crusting of the eyelids, or eyelash loss. The eye may also appear red or inflamed.
Bacterial conjunctivitis requires topical antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol or fusidic acid. You should prescribe them for 5 to 7 days and instruct your patients to apply them regularly and correctly. You should also advise your patients to clean their eyes gently with warm water and cotton wool before applying the drops or ointment.
You should refer your patients to an ophthalmologist if they have severe pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), blurred vision, or corneal involvement. These may indicate keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), which can cause permanent damage to the eye if left untreated.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or cosmetics. It is not contagious and can affect both eyes simultaneously. It may cause itching, tearing, redness, or swelling of the eyes or eyelids. The patient may also have other allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, or asthma.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with topical antihistamines, mast cell stabilisers, or corticosteroids. You should prescribe them for as long as needed and instruct your patients to use them as directed. You should also advise your patients to avoid or reduce exposure to the allergens that trigger their symptoms. You should refer your patients to an allergist if they have severe or persistent symptoms or if they need further testing or treatment for their allergies.
Conclusion
Conjunctivitis is a common condition that can have different causes and treatments. By knowing how to differentiate and treat the different types of conjunctivitis, you can help your patients recover faster and prevent complications or transmission. If you want to learn more about conjunctivitis and other minor ear and eye conditions, you may want to check out this article on the Practitioner Development UK website. It will help you enhance your knowledge and skills in assessing and treating minor ear and eye problems in primary care settings.
References
Conjunctivitis – Data From: Focus Medica. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bing.com/search?q=conjunctivitis+causes
Causes of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) | CDC. (2019, January 4). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/causes.html
Conjunctivitis – treatment, symptoms and causes | healthdirect. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conjunctivitis
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
