The College of Optometrists

Would anybody be able to give me their opinion on referring viral conjunctivitis please? I have heard various opinions on this, so I ma not sure who to listen to. Some people say don't refer as there is nothing that can be done if it's a straightforward viral conjunctivitis, and since it's contagious it's best not to refer it, and some people say refer it.

Thanks, Sara

It is because it isnot as black and white as that.

Someone comes in with folicles on the palpebral conjunctiva. Well, they look very much like papilae.

Their eyes are watery - so does an allergic conjunctivitis.

They have tiny blots of blood within the conjuctivae (petchae) and general chemosis.

The vision is good but they have fuzzy round dots - blobs on the cornea. (circular infiltrates).

They have an enlarged and tender gland infront of the ear. (periauricular node enlargement)

Pow -you think - this looks like a virus - a viral conjunctivitis, or adenovirus. All contageous.

You know from your studies that it will take 3 weeks to resolve and the infiltrates months.

What can you do?

It depends on how certain your diagnosis and how satisfied the patient is with your care plan. You could report to the gp your findings with diagnosis.

If you are not sure. or if it is getting worse - then refer to the gp for second opinion.

It depents on circumstances.