CONJUNCTIVITIS
Viral
Watery/mucoid discharge
Often unilateral
Pain
& itching
Phhotophobia (occasionally)
Oreauricular adenopathy
Usually adenovirus, also HSV
Tx = local
nafcon/vasocon, check for foreign body; us. lasts 3 wks;
very contagious
Bacteria
Purulent dischargeGonococcal--Can look similar to viral
Allergic
Generally no d/c
Tx = antihistamines or NSAID drops
Distinguishing viral from bacterial conjunctivitis:
- In an observational study of 184 consecutive adult pts presenting with red
eye(s) and either (purulent d/c or sticking of the eyelids), all of whom had
bacterial culture of the eyes, the most useful predictor of positive
bacterial culture was "eyes glued shut in the morning" (OR 15)
(BMJ 329:206, 2004--AFP)