Red
eye conditions

Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

One of the most common eye conditions, bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by a red gunky eye. It can be present in one eye or both. When bacteria gets into the eye it causes inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the clear sheath which covers sclera the white part of the eye.

Symptoms: sore irritated eyes

 

Signs: red eyes, gunky discharge

 

Treatments: Generally Bacterial conjunctivitis will resolve on its own and can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. It is best to try to keep the eye clean and wipe away any discharge. Antibiotic drops can assist in reducing symptoms and increasing the speed of recovery.

*Always see your health profession for an appropriate assessment and management of your condition

Viral Conjunctivitis

A highly contagious acute eye condition, viral conjunctivitis generally presents in one eye before transferring to the other eye a few days later. It can be associated with other viral conditions. 

 

Symptoms: sore, irritated watery eye

 

Signs: red eyes, watery discharge

 

Treatments: Normally Viral conjunctivitis will self resolve within 2 weeks.  Lubricating eye drops regularly can assist in relieving some symptoms. Antiviral drops may assist in more severe cases. 

*Always see your health profession for an appropriate assessment and management of your condition

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Often associated with Hayfever, sinus and other allergy responses. The most recognisable symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is itchy eyes. This creates the temptation to rub the eyes which will only make the redness and inflammation worse.

 

Symptoms: itchy eyes, usually both eyes are affected. 

 

Signs: red eyes, puffy eyelids, inflamed follicles under the eyelids

 

Treatments: Anti-histamine eye drops can provide immediate relief of symptoms. Cold compresses can also assist with reducing inflammatory response. Mast cell stabiliser drops can provide longer term reduction of symptoms and are sometimes combined with antihistamine drops.

*Always see your health profession for an appropriate assessment and management of your condition

Differential Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis (other conditions with a similar appearance)

  • Chlamydial conjunctivitis
  • Angle closure Glaucoma
  • HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)
  • Scleritis
  • Foreign Body
  • Dry eye
  • Ingrown eyelashes

Chlamydial Conjunctivitis

A less common condition, Chlamydial Conjunctivitis is confirmed through a swab and laboratory testing. It is often identified when suspected bacterial conjunctivitis fails to improve. 

Symptoms: sore eye with white milky discharge

 

Signs: red eye, inflammation with large follicles under the eyelids

 

Treatments: Topical and systemic antibiotics are required

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