2. Conjunctivitis also called pink eye or
madras eye refers to inflammation of the
conjunctiva the outermost layer of the
eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It
is most commonly due to an infection,
usually viral, but sometimes bacterial or
an allergic reaction.

4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
• red eye (hyperaemia)
• irritation (chemosis)
• watering (epiphora) of the eyes
TREATMENT:
• cool water poured over the face
with the head inclined downward
constricts capillaries, and artificial
tears sometimes relieve
discomfort in mild cases. In more
severe cases, non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory medications and
antihistamines may be
prescribed. Persistent allergic
conjunctivitis may also require
topical steroid drops.

5. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
• often associated with an
infection of the upper respiratory
tract
• watery discharge
• variable itch
TREATMENT:
• symptomatic relief may be
achieved with cold compresses
and artificial tears. People are
often advised to avoid touching
their eyes or sharing towels and
washcloths

6. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
• grittiness/irritation
• stringy, opaque, greyish or yellowish
mucopurulent discharge
• severe crusting of the infected eye
and the surrounding skin
TREATMENT:
• Antibiotics, eye drops, or ointment
are thus only needed if no
improvement is observed after 3
days. In patients receiving no
antibiotics recovery was in 4.8 days,
immediate antibiotics 3.3 days,
delayed antibiotics 3.9 days. No
serious effects were noted either
with or without treatment.

7. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the
secretions from an infected eye, or contact with
objects or surfaces that have been contaminated
with these secretions. The virus or bacteria can be
transmitted when an infected person touches their
eye and then touches another surface. Symptoms
tend to develop one to three days after transmission
occurs.

8. A person can spread conjunctivitis during
the course of active infection.
Depending upon the cause of the
infection, communicability may be
longer, i.e. up to 14 days after onset. It is
infectious while there is discharge.

9. Everyone is susceptible to infection
and repeated attacks due to the
same or different bacteria are
possible. Maternal infection does
not confer immunity to the child.

10. • Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control
the spread of pink eye.
• Avoid touching your eyes or the area near your eyes
with your hands.
• Wash your hands regularly with disinfectants.
• Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with
anyone else, and wash these items after each use.
• Disinfecting surfaces like counter tops, sinks, and
door knobs can also help prevent the spread of
infectious pink eye.

11. Conjunctivitis due to bacterial infection may
be difficult to distinguish clinically from
allergic or viral conjunctivitis or that due to
physical irritation. Therefore, empirical
antibiotic therapy is often used. Patients with
significant eye pain, loss of vision or
photophobia require immediate referral to an
ophthalmologist.

12. In mild cases propamidine eye drops are the usual
treatment.
In moderate and severe cases a combination of
treatments may be used. Consult the current
version of Therapeutic guidelines: antibiotic
(Therapeutic Guidelines Limited). An eye ointment
may be used at bedtime. Soiled articles should be
discarded or disinfected. Rigorous hand washing
before and after eye examinations and toilets is
important in preventing further transmission.
Children should not attend school and child care
settings until discharge from the eyes has ceased.

13. the EYE is the WINDOW
to the SOUL; so keep it
HEALTHY.