CONJUNCTIVITIS: AN OVERVIEW OF CLINICAL FEATURES AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular conditions, characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, a membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and the front surface of the eye. Although, in many cases, it is a benign and self-limiting condition, conjunctivitis can, in some scenarios, progress to more severe complications, especially when associated with bacterial or viral infections. Moreover, its impact on the patient's quality of life, such as eye pain, excessive tearing, and discomfort, can be significant, particularly in environments with epidemic outbreaks. There are different types of conjunctivitis, which can be primarily classified as allergic, viral, bacterial, or irritative. Each type presents distinct clinical features and requires a specific therapeutic approach. Viral conjunctivitis, for example, is often related to adenovirus infections, while bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is frequently triggered by environmental factors like pollen and dust mites, and may be associated with other allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis. Correct identification of the underlying cause of conjunctivitis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. Diagnosis can be facilitated by a detailed clinical evaluation, and in some cases, laboratory tests such as ocular secretion cultures or viral antigen detection are performed. Treatment can range from simple ocular hygiene measures and the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops for viral or allergic forms to antibiotics in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis.