Manual

Conjunctivitis

The Red Eye

Conjunctivitis

Viral, bacterial, allergic.

  • Viral (adenovirus): watery, follicles, preauricular node, often bilateral sequentially; highly contagious 10–14 days. Supportive; consider povidone-iodine; steroids only for membranes or SEIs.
  • Bacterial: purulent, lids stuck in morning, papillae. Topical broad-spectrum antibiotic 5–7 days.
  • Hyperacute (gonococcal): copious pus within 12–24 h → Gram stain, IM ceftriaxone 1 g, saline irrigation, treat chlamydia.
  • Allergic: itching dominant, papillae, chemosis. Dual-action antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer; cold compresses.
  • Neonatal: chemical (day 1), gonococcal (2–5 days), chlamydial (5–14 days), HSV (1–2 weeks).
NextMicrobial keratitis

Educational summary — follow local protocols and current guidelines.