Bacterial Conjunctivitis Differential Diagnoses
- Author: Karen K Yeung, OD, FAAO; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Diagnostic Considerations
Medicolegal concerns do arise in connection with bacterial conjunctivitis. As with all medical practice, careful discussion and documentation is paramount. A few general guidelines are helpful, as follows:
- Know the differential diagnosis
- Perform an eye examination and, in particular, document that iritis and acute glaucoma have been ruled out
- Be aware of more unusual conditions, such as carotid-cavernous fistula
- Always consider Chlamydia or N gonorrhoeae in the differential diagnosis. Be sure to treat systemically and ask for advice from other specialists when needed
See the following for more information:
Differential Diagnoses
- Blepharitis, Adult
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic
- Conjunctivitis, Viral
- Contact Lens Complications
- Episcleritis
- Glaucoma, Angle Closure, Acute
- Keratoconjunctivitis, Epidemic
- Pharyngoconjunctival Fever
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Conjunctival
- Uveitis, Anterior, Granulomatous
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