Patient Information

Conjunctivitisand

The Red Eye

Treatment To relieve pain and photophobia To treat the inflammation

EndophthalmitisEndophthalmitis is an infection inside the eye, that is,an intraocular infection. There are different types ofendophthalmitis, but the most common type, post-operative endophthalmitis. This condition occurs mostcommonly after cataract surgery, typically afflictingapproximately one in every 1,000 patients.

SymptomsPainRedness in the white of the eyeExtreme sensitivity to bright lightPartial or complete loss of vision.

The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, anexamination of the eye, cultures, and sometimesantibody or DNA testing. Cultures may be taken fromthe aqueous humor (fluid inside the front of the eye;also called the aqueous) and the vitreous humor (thejellylike substance inside the back part of the eye) todetermine which organisms are responsible and whichdrugs are most active against them.

TreatmentEndophthalmitis is a medical emergency. Rapidtreatment is generally needed if vision is to bepreserved. Treatment usually begins immediately; adelay of even a few hours can result in vision loss inextreme cases.Antibiotics are given; the choice of antibiotic may beadjusted depending on which organism is found to becausing the endophthalmitis.Surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue frominside the eye, which may improve the chances ofstopping the infection.

Corneal infectionThis is a potentially sight threatening condition. Avoidusing steroid if corneal infection cannot be excludedas steroid can worsen the infection.

SymptomsPainful red eyePhotophobiaWatering

TreatmentIn bacterial corneal ulcer, the patient may beadmitted for intensive antibiotic treatment ifsevere, or treated as an outpatient if mild.

In viral infection, anti-viral are given.

Sankara Nethralaya( A unit of Medical Research Foundation )18, College Road, Chennai - 600 006. INDIA

Tel. No. : (+91 44) 2827 1616, 2827 1035 Fax : (044) 2825 4180Email : appointment@sankaranethralaya.org

Web : http://www.sankaranethralaya.org

Final - 22.07.2004

ConjunctivitisConjunctivitis is redness and soreness (inflammation)of the clear covering (the conjunctiva) which coats thewhite of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lids.This comes on relatively quickly and lasts for a fairlyshort time. Acute conjunctivitis may clear on its own,but often needs treatment from your doctor.

SymptomsMostly both eyes are affected, but often one startsbefore the other.The eye is red, with the blood vessels over thewhite of the eye more visible and swollen. Thelining of the eyelids also looks redder or pinkerthan usual.The eye is sticky, with a discharge, which is worsewhen you wake up.The eye is itchy or painful.Sometimes people do not like to be in bright light(photophobia).

TreatmentTreatment varies depending on the cause. Medications in the form of ointments, drops or pills maybe recommended to help kill the germ infecting theeye, relieve allergic symptoms and/or decreasediscomfort. In the case of conjunctivitis due to a viralcold or flu, the practitioner may recommend that yoube patient and let it run its course.

OTHER MEASURES THAT SHOULD BEFOLLOWED :

Apply cool compresses to the infected eye(s) threeto four times per day for 10-15 minutes using aclean washcloth each time. This should helpreduce itching and swelling and provide somecomfort.Wash your hands frequently and keep them awayfrom your eyes in order to reduce or preventrecontamination.Avoid rubbing your eyes to decrease irritation ofthe area.Wear sunglasses if your eyes are sensitive to thelight.

Avoid exposure to the irritants that may be causingthe conjunctivitis. Wear sunglasses if your eyesare sensitive to the light.Avoid exposure to the irritants that may be causingthe conjunctivitis.Dispose of old eye makeup if the culture forbacteria is positive.Use a clean pillowcase each night. (Pillowcase canbe changed every other day and turned overnightly).Avoid Contact lenses till adviced by physician.

ConcernsIf any of the following problems should occur, notify yourEye Specialist:

Visual changesSevere eye painPain when moving eyesFeverNo improvement with medication within 48-72hoursDrainage continues after you have completed fullcourse of medicationRoommates or other family members developsymptomsEyes become very sensitive to light.

DIRECTIONS FOR USING EYE DROPS OROINTMENT

Wash your hands before touching your eyes oryour medications.Gently, pull your lower lid down with your finger.Look up toward the ceiling.To instill drops : Drop medicine inside your lowerlid. Do not drop it on your eyeball. Close youreyes gently without squeezing the lids shut. Blinkto distribute medication over the eye.To instill ointment : Starting in the corner of youreye closest to the nose, squeeze a thin ribbon ofointment along the inside of the lower lid. Closeeyes gently without squeezing the lids shut. Rolleyes to distribute the medication over them.

Remove excess solution or ointment outside youreye with a clean tissue, using a separate tissue foreach eye.Wash hands after you have finished yourmedication, to avoid transmitting the infection toothers.

All Red Eyes are not necessarily conjunctivitis.

Acute angle closure GlaucomaIn this condition there is a sudden increase in thepressure within the eye. The eye quickly becomespainful and red. The sight may recover completely ifthe pressure is lowered at an early stage, but if this isdelayed there will be permanent damage to the visionof varying degree. Immediate agressive treatment istherefore required.

SymptomsSudden decrease of visionExtreme eye painHeadacheNausea and vomitingGlare and light sensitivity

TreatmentAimed at decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP)

UveitisUveitis may affect one or both eyes and is an inflammationof one of the tissues lining the eyeball. The most commonform of uveitis is anterior uveitis, which involvesinflammation in the front part of the eye. The disorder mayaffect only one eye and is most common in young andmiddle-aged people.

Symptoms Redness of the eyeBlurred visionSensitivity to lightDark, floating spots in the visionEye pain