Conjunctivitis for Nurses- Easy Explanation

Conjunctivitis for Nurses- Easy Explanation
Eye anatomy & physiology
definition
types of conjunctiva
types & causes of conjunctivitis
clinical manifestations
assessment & diagnostic findings
medical management
prevention

easy explanation for nursing students, nurses

1. CONJUNCTIVITIS
PRESENTED BY
SWATILEKHA DAS
ASST. PROFESSOR

2. EYE ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
The human eye functions much like a digital camera. Here's how
it works. Light enters the eye through the cornea, the clear front
surface of the eye, which acts like a camera lens. The iris works
much like the diaphragm of a camera--controlling how much light
reaches the back of the eye.

3. DEFINITION
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of
the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner
surface of the eyelid.

4. TYPES OF CONJUNCTIVA

5. TYPES & CAUSES
BACTERIAL – due to bacteria
VIRAL- caused by adenovirus
CLAMYDIA-caused by sexually transmitted
infections
ALLERGIC-caused by pollens, dust
REACTIVE- caused by chemicals such as
water of swimming pool

7. Clinical Manifestations

•Red eye, swelling of the conjunctiva, and watering of the
eyes are symptoms common to all forms of
conjunctivitis. However, the pupils should be normally
reactive, and the visual acuity normal.
•Conjunctivitis is identified by irritation and redness of the
conjunctiva.
•Thick yellow discharge when dries it crusts over
eyelashes
•Burning sensation
•Blurred vision
•Increased sensitivity to light

8. Assessment and Diagnostic
Findings

•The four main clinical features important to evaluate are-

• the type of discharge (ie, watery, mucoid, purulent, or
mucopurulent),
•type of conjunctival reaction (ie, follicular or papillary),
presence of pseudomembranes or true membranes,
• and presence or absence of lymphadenopathy (ie,
enlargement of the preauricular and submandibular lymph
nodes where the eyelids drain).

9. •Conjunctival epithelium in numerous projections that are
usually seen as a fine mosaic pattern under slit-lamp
examination.

•Diagnosis is based on the distinctive characteristics of
ocular signs, acute or chronic presentation, and
identification of any precipitating events.

•Positive results of swab smear preparations and cultures
confirm the diagnosis.

10. Medical Management
Treatment depends on types of conjunctivitis-
Viral is self limiting.
Cold compression can alleviate some symptoms.
Bacterial is treated with antibiotics( Quinolone in form of eye drops,
ointment or pills)
Wear spectacles to reduce light sensitivity.
Discard old pair of contact lenses and use new one when conjunctivitis
is gone.
Allergic conjunctivitis are treated with corticosteroids in ophthalmic
preparations.depending on severity they can be given in oral forms.

11. PREVENTION
•Don’t touch eyes with hand.
•Wash hands often.
•Use clean towels & washclothes.
•Don’t share towels or washclothes.
•Change pillowcases often.
•Avoid swimming in a swimming pool.
•Don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.
•Use any antibiotics for the complete period prescribed.
•Prevention of reinfection is important.