Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “Pink Eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and inner surface of the eyelids. It is highly contagious and can have various causes:
- Newborn Conjunctivitis: Caused by Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae, or HIV.
- Childhood Conjunctivitis: Can be viral, bacterial, allergic, or due to a foreign body.
Symptoms include a pink or reddish eye, eye pain, burning, itchiness, and increased tears. Specific signs can help identify the cause: purulent discharge indicates bacterial infection, itching suggests allergic conjunctivitis, watery discharge points to a viral cause, and symptoms in only one eye may indicate a foreign body.
Therapeutic management involves keeping the eye clean, sweeping secretions downward and outward, and applying antibiotic eye drops or ointment after cleaning for bacterial infections. Key nursing concepts include infection control and comfort.
Patient education is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. This includes practicing good hand hygiene, not sharing linens, and avoiding public places until they have taken antibiotics for 24 hours. Patients should also be instructed on how to apply eye drops and ointment correctly and advised against wearing contact lenses during the infection.
This nursing cheatsheet from Nursing.com will help you learn and understand more about Conjunctivitis.
