Allergic conjunctivitis
Background
- Conjunctivitis due to exposure to an allergen
- Chronic allergic conjunctivitis is also called vernal conjunctivitis
Clinical Features
- Itching
- Watery discharge
- Injected and edematous conjunctiva
- Papillae on inferior conjunctival fornix
- Red, swollen eyelids
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Clinical diagnosis of conjunctivitis
| Bacterial | Viral | Allergic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilateral | 50% | 25% | Mostly |
| Discharge | Mucopurulent | Clear, Watery | Cobblestoning, none |
| Redness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pruritis | Rarely | Rarely | Yes |
| Additional | Treatment: Antibiotics | Treatment: Hygiene | Seasonal |
Management
- Mild: avoid triggers, cool compresses for 15 minutes QID
- Moderate: Histamine-blocking drops (e.g. olopatadine, pemirolast, or ketotifen)
- Severe: refer to ophthalmology for possible steroid therapy
Disposition
- Discharge with ophthalmology follow-up
See Also
References
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