B30.1/B30.9 + (H13.1)
DESCRIPTION
A highly contagious, viral infection, which is spread by contact with:
- hands
- face cloths
- towels
It may start in one eye, spreading to the other. More commonly both eyes are infected.
Common symptoms include:
- sore eyes, feeling of itching or burning, often described as being painful
- photophobia
- watery discharge (a yellow discharge indicates a secondary bacterial infection)
- diffuse pink or red conjunctivae, which may become haemorrhagic
- enlarged pre-auricular lymph node
The cornea, iris and pupil are completely normal with normal visual acuity.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Advise on correct cleansing or rinsing of eyes with clean water.
- Cold compresses for symptomatic relief.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Children > 6 years of age and adults
- Oxymetazoline 0.025%, eye drops, instil 1–2 drops 6 hourly for a maximum of 7 days.
Pain:
Children
- Paracetamol, oral, 10–15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required. See Paediatric dosing tool.
Adults
- Paracetamol, oral, 1 g 4–6 hourly when required.
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/kg/dose.
- Maximum dose: 4 g in 24 hours.
REFERRAL
- No response after 5 days.
- A unilateral red eye for more than one day.
- Suspected herpes conjunctivitis.
- Loss of vision.
- Irregularity of pupil.
- Haziness of the cornea.
- Persistent painful eye.