Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva is a general term that refers to a diverse group of diseases/ disorders that affect the conjunctiva primarily.

Conjunctiva is a thin translucent membrane that lines the anterior part of the sclera It has bulbar and palpebral parts ( under surface of eyelids ) Inflammation or infection leads to dilatation of conjunctival vessels leading to hypermaemia and oedema - typically associated with discharge Conjunctivitis may also occur secondary to other ocular or systemic conditions that produce conjunctival inflammation It is estimated it affects 6 million people annually in the US

Allergic -immunoglobulin hypersensitivity reaction. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis Perennial allergic conjunctivitis Vernal keratoconjunctivitis Atopic keratoconjunctivitis Giant cell papillary conjunctivitis

All forms bilateral Type 1 immune response to an allergen Can be made worse by problems with eyebrows , eyelids or eyelashes which act as barriers to allergens Redness and itching are most consistent symptomsItching is hallmark - can also be described as burning or stingingIf not present consider alternative cause Discharge - watery or mucoidcan be stringy or ropey due to small amount of mucous Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the most common type seen May present with other systemic atopic manifestations as○ rhinoconjunctivitis○ rhinosinusitis○ asthma○...