Conjunctivitis
HIGHLIGHTED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CARE
Chronic and/or recalcitrant conjunctivitis may be indicative of an underlying malignancy, such as sebaceous or squamous cell carcinoma.
The ophthalmologist plays a critical role in breaking the chain of transmission of epidemic adenoviral conjunctivitis, primarily by educating the patient and family about proper hygiene. Infected individuals should be counseled to wash hands frequently and use separate towels, and to avoid close contact with others during the period of contagion.
Dilute bleach soak (sodium hypochlorite) at 1:10 concentration is an effective disinfectant for tonometers. Notably, 70% isopropyl alcohol (e.g., alcohol wipes), 3% hydrogen peroxide, and ethyl alcohol are no longer recommended for tonometer disinfection.
Surfaces should be disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant in accordance with the directions and safety precautions on the label. (, , )
Herpes Zoster vaccination should be strongly recommended in patients 50 years or older.
Recommendation Grading
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Overview
Title
Conjunctivitis
Authoring Organization
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Publication Month/Year
January 1, 2019
Last Updated Month/Year
June 9, 2022
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
Establish the diagnosis of conjunctivitis, differentiating it from other causes of red eye, Identify the cause(s) of conjunctivitis, istablish appropriate therapy, relieve discomfort and pain, prevent complications, prevent the spread of communicable diseases, educate and engage both the patient and the referring healthcare providers in conjunctivitis management
Inclusion Criteria
Female, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Infant, Older adult
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Emergency care, Hospital
Intended Users
Optometrist, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Assessment and screening, Diagnosis, Management, Treatment
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D003231 - Conjunctivitis, D003229 - Conjunctival Diseases, D003234 - Conjunctivitis, Bacterial, D003236 - Conjunctivitis, Viral
Keywords
conjunctivitis, opthalmology, red eyes
Source Citation
Varu, D. M., Rhee, M. K., Akpek, E. K., Amescua, G., Farid, M., Garcia-Ferrer, F. J., … Dunn, S. P. (2018). Conjunctivitis Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.10.020