GP guide to the diagnosis and management of conjunctivitis

22 z Prescriber July/August 2014 prescriber.co.uk The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent, continuous mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids (palpebral conjunctiva) as well as the sclera (bulbar conjunctiva). Inflammation of this structure is known as conjunctivitis and is the most frequently diagnosed cause of the acute red eye. It is estimated that the acute red eye contributes 1–4 per cent of disorders or problems seen in the primary-care setting.1–5 The condition varies in severity from mild hyperaemia and tearing to a severe conjunctivitis with copious purulent discharge. Rarely conjunctivitis is sight threatening causing irreversible scarring. Conjunctivitis has been described as being clinically differentiated by symptoms and signs, ie discharge, conjunctival reaction, membranes and lymphadenopathy.6