CONJUNCTIVITIS
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Inflammation of conjunctiva of eye. It is one of the most common causes of painless red eye.
Symptoms
- Eyelids sticking together on waking up
- Redness of eye
- Itching, burning or foreign body sensation in eye
- Discharge from eye that may be pus in bacterial conjunctivitis
- Distortion of vision
- Photophobia
- History of contact with similar illness in family or friends
Causes
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Fungal
- Parasitic
- Toxic
- Allergic
- Chemical
Diagnosis
Mostly clinical: Visual acuity, fluorescein staining, slit lamp examination
Culture and sensitivity of the discharge
Preventions
Patient should avoid touching their eyes and wash their hands thoroughly after eye contact
Towels, handkerchief and other items used by patient should be properly sterilized
Treatment
Often supportive and depends upon the cause
Artificial tear drops
Cold, moist compression
Antibiotic eye drops: it also helps in prevention of secondary bacterial infection