There are three main types of conjunctivitis: allergic, infectious and chemical. The cause of conjunctivitis varies depending on the type. Show
Allergic conjunctivitis
Infectious conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitisChemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals. SymptomsSymptoms vary with the causes discussed above. Allergic symptoms include clear, watery discharge along with mild redness. Itching, sometimes severe, may or may not occur. With bacterial infections, there is typically minimal pain but a possibly dramatic appearance with moderate redness and almost always a yellow/green discharge, sometimes extreme. This discharge can also make the eyelids red and swollen and can attach itself to the eyelashes for a crusty appearance. Bacterial infections can be more severe in patients that wear contact lenses. There is also a risk of a bacterial corneal ulcer developing in contact lens wearers which would include severe pain and light sensitivity. Viral infections can also cause moderate redness and are usually painful. The pain is typically a sandy, gritty feel like something may be in the eye. There can also be a moderate to severe light sensitivity. DiagnosisConjunctivitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on the conjunctiva and surrounding tissues, may include:
Using the information obtained from these tests, a doctor of optometry can determine if you have conjunctivitis and provide treatment options. TreatmentTreating conjunctivitis has three main goals:
The appropriate treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause. Allergic conjunctivitisThe first step is to remove or avoid the irritant, if possible. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. People with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid eye drops. Oral antihistamines may also be prescribed. Infectious conjunctivitisThis type of conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve after three or four days of treatment, but patients need to take the entire course of antibiotics to prevent a recurrence. Viral conjunctivitis. No drops or ointments can treat viral conjunctivitis. Antibiotics will not cure a viral infection. Like a common cold, the virus has to run its course, which may take up to two or three weeks. Symptoms can often be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tear solutions. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. However, these drops will not shorten the infection. The viral infection Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is very contagious and is the red-eye most associated with the term “pink eye”. Chemical conjunctivitisCareful flushing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. People with chemical conjunctivitis also may need to use topical steroids. Severe chemical injuries, particularly alkali burns, are medical emergencies and can lead to scarring, damage to the eye or the sight, or even loss of the eye. If a chemical spills in your eye, flush the eye for several minutes with a lot of water before seeing your medical provider. Contact lens wearers may need to temporarily stop wearing their lenses while the condition is active. If conjunctivitis is due to wearing contact lenses, a doctor of optometry may recommend switching to a different type of contact lens or disinfection solution. A doctor of optometry might need to change the contact lens prescription to a lens that is replaced more frequently. This can help prevent conjunctivitis from recurring. Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps:
Soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing the eyes. Instead of warm compresses, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops might also help. Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate the symptoms, and lubricating eye drops can rinse the allergen off the surface of the eye. See your doctor of optometry if you think you have conjunctivitis. He or she can diagnose the cause and prescribe the proper treatment. PreventionWith so many causes, there is no one preventive measure. Early diagnosis and treatment will help prevent the condition from becoming worse. Avoiding allergy triggers as much as possible also helps. Frequent hand washing and keeping hands away from eyes also can make a difference, even when no problems are present. When planning the discharge of a patient after eye surgery which activities would the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?Activity level
Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. Avoid bending at the waist to pick up objects or lifting anything heavy for 2 days. Relax for the first 24 hours after surgery.
What accurately describes the conjunctiva?The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers part of the front surface of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It has two segments: Bulbar conjunctiva. This portion of the conjunctiva covers the anterior part of the sclera (the "white" of the eye).
Which risk factors are associated with development of cataracts select all that apply?Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:. Increasing age.. Diabetes.. Excessive exposure to sunlight.. Smoking.. Obesity.. High blood pressure.. Previous eye injury or inflammation.. Previous eye surgery.. When interviewing a patient with a new diagnosis of glaucoma which question is most relevant to the patients condition?When faced with a new diagnosis of glaucoma there is one question that is foremost in every patient's mind: Will I go blind? Fortunately for most patients the answer is no. Blindness does occur from glaucoma but it is a relatively rare occurrence.
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