Child health · UKMLA & AKT
Viral conjunctivitis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise viral conjunctivitis — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Watery/serous discharge - key differentiator from bacterial (purulent/sticky) and allergic (no discharge, bilateral itch, seasonal)
- Sequential bilateral spread - one eye first, second eye within 1-4 days
- Preauricular lymphadenopathy - tender palpable node; classic for adenoviral, not seen in bacterial or allergic
- Gritty/foreign body sensation, mild itching, bilateral conjunctival hyperaemia
- Associated URTI symptoms (sore throat, cough, rhinorrhoea) - especially in children
- Visual acuity preserved - any reduction warrants urgent referral
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