High -Yield Internal Medicine Board Exam Pearls by Knowmedge - HTML preview

Viral

 Usually caused by adenovirus

 Having a preceding upper respiratory infection or recent exposure to a person with

conjunctivitis are clues to aid in the diagnosis

 Acute onset

 Usually unilateral redness

 Watery discharge is present

 Highly contagious

 Frequent hand washing must be performed to prevent spread of infection

 Supportive treatment including cold compresses and artificial tears. NO role for

antibiotic eye drops with viral conjunctivitis