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Clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • there is usually a mucopurulent discharge and the lashes are stuck together on waking
    • sticky mucopurulent discharge accumulated in the lower lid fornix and inner and outer canthus, tearing, and sometimes with a sensation of foreign body in the eye
  • the conjunctiva is hyperaemic and infrequently, there is lid oedema.
  • the cornea should be bright (1) - if there is corneal clouding then this suggests an alternative diagnosis and more serious condition such as glaucoma
  • there is a gritty discomfort rather than pain. Any blurring of vision is due to mucopus - mucous blended with pus - in the tear film which clears with blinking
  • typically, the infection begins in one eye and is spread to the other by the hands

Reference:

  1. Prescribers' Journal 2000; 40 (2):130-137.

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