eye disorders
Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Symptoms and Signs of Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Symptoms are typically unilateral but frequently spread to the opposite eye within a few days. Discharge is typically purulent. The bulbar and tarsal conjunctivae are intensely hyperemic and edematous. Petechial subconjunctival hemorrhages, chemosis, photophobia, and an enlarged preauricular lymph node are typically absent. Eyelid edema is often moderate. With adult gonococcal conjunctivitis, symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Severe eyelid edema, chemosis, and a profuse purulent exudate are typical. Rare complications include corneal ulceration, abscess, perforation, panophthalmitis, and blindness. Ophthalmia neonatorum caused by gonococcal infection appears 2 to 5 days after delivery. With ophthalmia neonatorum caused by a chlamydial infection, symptoms appear within 5 to 14 days. Symptoms of both are bilateral, intense papillary conjunctivitis with eyelid edema, chemosis, and mucopurulent discharge. 