Diagnosis and management of acute conjunctivitis

Acute conjunctivitis is the most common disorder of the eye observed by the primary care practitioner. Beyond the neonatal period, Haemophilus influenzae is the most common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis. It is frequently associated with infection of other parts of the upper respiratory tract, most often the middle ear. Although bacterial conjunctivitis alone has been treated successfully with topical antibacterial agents, this has not prevented progression of the infection to the middle ear and other systems. The optimal treatment for this condition is still being evaluated. Other causes of conjunctivitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrheae, Neisseria meningitidis , adenovirus, enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, and Chlamydia trachomatis .