CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CONJUNCTIVITIS IN OPHTHALMOLOGIC EMERGENCY SERVICES: INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The aim of this integrative review was to synthesize the available evidence on the clinical-epidemiological profile and the therapeutic management adopted for patients treated for conjunctivitis in ophthalmologic emergency services. A search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and the Virtual Health Library, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, covering publications from 2020 to 2026; the selection process followed the PRISMA recommendations and resulted in the inclusion of 14 studies. The results show that conjunctivitis is among the most frequent diagnoses in ophthalmologic emergencies, with a predominance of infectious forms, especially viral, and that diagnosis remains predominantly clinical, based on history taking and external ocular examination, with ancillary tests reserved for selected situations. Most cases are self-limited and managed conservatively, with topical antibiotics restricted to presentations suggestive of bacterial etiology. Environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic factors influence the demand for care. It is concluded that proper recognition of the clinical profile favors more assertive management, reduces inappropriate antimicrobial use, and lowers the risk of complications and unnecessary referrals.