Today is our topic of discussion Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis
Definition:
Conjunctivitis due to infection of the conjunctiva by the virus is called viral conjunctivitis (also called ‘pink eye’). This type of conjunctivitis can spread rapidly between people and may cause an epidemic of conjunctivitis.
Cause:
Adenovirus & Herpesvirus
Incubation period:
12 hours to 3 days
Mode of transmission:
1. Contact with discharges from conjunctivae or upper respiratory tracts of infected persons.
2. Contaminated fingers, clothing and other articles especially those coming in close contact with the eyes.
Period of communicability :
A person can spread conjunctivitis during the course of active infection.
History:
1. Inquire about timing, onset, duration and severity of symptoms; appropriate risk factors; and
2. Patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis may give a H/o recent exposure to an individual with red eye, or H/o recent symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection.
Signs and symptoms:
1. Watery discharge and edematous eyelid
2. Variable itch and irritation
3. Red eye with discomfort.
4. Infection usually begins with one eye but may spread easily to the fellow eye after a day or two
5. Often associated with upper respiratory tract symptoms.
6. There may be tender, palpable preauricular lymph node.
Treatment:
1. The disease is usually self-limiting and treatment is supportive.
2. Topical antibiotic (e.g., chloramphenicol) drops during daytime & ointments at night to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
3. Cold compresses on eyes.
4. Tab. Paracetamol and ibuprofen, help relieve symptoms.
5. Use of black goggles may reduce discomfort in sunlight.
6. Sometimes the condition may go on for a prolonged time and should be referred.
Prevention:
1. Patient should adhere to hygiene, such as hand and face washing and no sharing of face towels and personal items.
2. Day-care facilities and preschools should not take a child with suspected viral conjunctivitis to prevent infecting other children.
See also :
