Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball that causes the eye to appear pink or red. There are two main types of conjunctivitis - infectious and non-infectious. Infectious conjunctivitis can be bacterial or viral, with bacterial conjunctivitis more common in children. Common symptoms include redness, discharge, and eye irritation or stickiness. Treatment depends on the cause but may include antibiotic or antihistamine eye drops. Proper hygiene and not sharing personal items can help prevent the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.

1. Conjunctivitis
Definition: Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is the inflammation or infection of the transparent
membrane that lines your eyelid and eyeball. When it is inflamed, as in conjunctivitis, it
appears pink or red on general inspection. Up close, the examiner can discern fine blood
vessels, termed "injection," in contrast to extravasated blood, which is seen in sub conjunctival
hemorrhage.
 All conjunctivitis is characterized by a red eye, but not all red eyes are conjunctivitis.
Acute conjunctivitis can be classified as:
A. Infectious (bacterial or viral)
B. Noninfectious (allergic, toxic, or nonspecific)
Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than in adults. However, for both adults and
children, the majority of infectious cases are viral.
Common presentations:
Bacterial → redness & discharge uni/bilateral side of eyes.
The affected eye is often "stuck shut" in the morning. The purulent discharge continues
throughout the day and is thick and globular; it may be yellow, white, or green.

2. Viral → conjunctival injection with watery or mucoserous discharge and a burning, sandy, or
gritty feeling in one eye.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious; it is spread by direct contact with
the patient and their secretions or with contaminated objects and surfaces.
 Usually there is profuse tearing rather than discharge.
Allergic → bilateral redness, watery discharge, and itching (grittiness,
burning, or irritation)
Risk factors:
a. Exposure to something for which you have an allergy
b. Exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis
c. Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses

3. Prevention:
a) Don't touch your eyes with your hands
b) Wash your hands often
c) Use a clean towel and washcloth daily
d) Don't share towels or washcloths
e) Change your pillowcases often
f) Throw away your eye cosmetics, such as mascara
g) Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items
Diagnosis:
a) History
b) Examination (sign and symptoms)
Treatment:

5. Ophthalmic antibiotic:
SE: Burning, stinging, may result in overgrowth of no susceptible organisms, including fungi,
blurred vision, foreign body sensation,
 Do not touch dropper tip to any surface, as this may contaminate solution
 Contact lenses should be removed before administration
 Not for injection into the eye
C/I: Pregnancy & breast feeding
Ophthalmic allergen:
SE: stinging/tingling sensation upon instillation, mydriasis, ocular erythema
 Should not be used for more than 72 hours → rebound conjunctival hyperemia, allergic
conjunctivitis & allergic blepharitis
 Use in caution with pt: HTN, Arteriosclerosis, DM, Other cardiovascular disease
 Antihistamines: have anticholinergic properties → pupil dilation
 Avoid rubbing the eyes. If itching is bothersome, use artificial tears, a cool compress
C/I: Angle-Closure Glaucoma
KETOTIFEN: Is an antihistamine andmastcell stabilizerwhichisverysafe andeffective
Advantagesof thisproduct:
1) Provide relieveswithinminutes
2) The effectsmaylastup to 12 hrs froma single dose
3) Safe for childrenaged>3 yrs
4) Doesnot containa vasoconstrictor