Definition
- Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of conjunctiva.
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Risk Factors
- Allergens
- Microbial infection (Chlamydia), viruses, fungus, par
- Irritating Toxic stimuli
TYPES:
- Microbial conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Toxic conjunctivitis
Pathophysiology
- Conjunctivitis also called pink eye can be the result of exposure to allergens or irritants and as such is not contagious. However, there is bacterial or viral form known as infectious conjunctivitis and easily transmitted to others.
Assessment/Clinical Manifestations/Signs and Symptoms
- mucoid, purulen or mucopurulent eye charges
- itching
- burning-like eye pain
- watery eyes
- reddened appearance
Medical Management
The management of conjunctivitis depends on the type. Most types of mild and viral conjunctivitis are self-limiting, benign conditions that may not require treatment and laboratory procedures.
- For more severe cases, topical antibiotics, eye drops or ointment are prescribed.
- Patients with allergic conjunctivitis especially recurrent or seasonal conjunctivitis are usually given corticosteroids in ophthalmic preparations.
- Use of vasoconstrictors such as topical epinephrine solution, cold compresses, ice packs, and cool ventilation usually provide comfort by decreasing swelling.
- For conjunctivitis caused by chemical irritants, the eye must be irrigated immediately and profusely with saline or sterile water.
Nursing Diagnosis
- Ineffective health maintenance
- Risk for injury
- Knowledge deficit
- Risk for infection
Nursing Management
- Viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious eye infection. It can easily spread from one person to another. The symptoms can be alarming, but they are not serious.
- The following information will help to understand this eye condition and how to take care themselves and the family member at home.
- Eye will look red and will have watery discharge and lids will be swollen for about a week.
- Will experience eye pain, a sandy sensation in the eye, and sensitivity to light
- Symptoms will resolve after about 1 week
- May use light cold compresses over the eye for about 10 minutes four to five times a day to soothe the pain
- May use artificial tears for the sandy sensation in the eye and mild pain medications such as acetaminophen
- Need to stay at home. Children must not play outside. May return to work or school after 7 days when the redness and discharge have cleared.
- Do not share towels, linens, make up or toys
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently, including and before and after applying artificial tears or cold compresses.
- Use a new tissue every time you wipe the discharge from the eye. May dampen the tissue with clean water to clean the outside of the eye
- May wash face and take a shower as normally do
- Discard all make up articles. Must not apply make up until the disease is over
- May weak dark glasses if bright lights bother
- If the discharge from the eyes turns yellowish and puslike or experience changes in the vision, need to return to the health care providers for an examination.
