Conjunctivitis

Introduction

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva.Based on etiology, it has the following major types. Bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, fungal conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis

VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS Clinical Features

• There is usually bilateral disease with watery discharge, often with marked foreign body sensation, and a follicular conjunctivitis.
• Infection spreads easily and common in school children and other crowded areas.
• Pre - auricular lymph nodes are usually enlarged

Management

• Except for HSV infection, there is no specific treatment for contagious viral conjunctivitis.
• HSV infection is treated withQ Lovir / Zovirax (acyclovir) eye ointment 1 x 6 for 1 week ORTab - Aclova (acyclovir) 200mg, 2 tablets PO x TDS for 1 week
• Tab - Softin (Loratadine) or Zyrtec / Rigix (Cetirizine) 10mg or any other oral anti - allergic 1 tablet PO x OD at night for 5 days a there is complaint of itching.
• Advise photo gray glasses. Artificial tears and cold compresses may help reduce discomfort
• The use of topical antibiotics and steroids in the acute infection is discouraged.
• Frequent hand and linen hygiene are encouraged to minimize spread.