From the Guidelines
If you have discharging eyes, you should see a healthcare provider who can perform a physical examination of the eye and a swab culture of the discharge to identify any bacteria or viruses, as these tests are crucial in determining the cause and guiding treatment, according to the most recent conjunctivitis preferred practice pattern 1. When it comes to discharging eyes, it's essential to determine the underlying cause to provide appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.
- A physical examination of the eye can help identify signs of infection, inflammation, or other conditions that may be causing the discharge.
- A swab culture of the discharge can help identify the presence of bacteria or viruses, which is crucial in guiding antibiotic treatment, as seen in cases of moderate to severe bacterial conjunctivitis 1.
- Additional tests, such as a fluorescein stain test to check for corneal damage, or a visual acuity test to assess the impact of the discharge on vision, may also be necessary.
- In cases where allergies are suspected, allergy testing might be recommended, while PCR testing of the discharge can help identify specific viruses in cases of suspected viral infections.
- For more severe or persistent cases, referral to an ophthalmologist for specialized tests, such as tear film analysis or imaging studies, may be necessary, as highlighted in the conjunctivitis preferred practice pattern 1. It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly for eye discharge, especially if accompanied by pain, vision changes, or if it doesn't improve within 24-48 hours, as some eye infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated, and the choice of antibiotic should be guided by the results of laboratory tests, as seen in cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections 1.
From the Research
Discharging Eyes: Diagnostic Tests
To determine the cause of discharging eyes, several tests can be performed, including:
- Conjunctival swabs to identify bacterial or viral infections 2, 3
- Physical examination to guide diagnosis 4
- Comprehensive history to differentiate between viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis 4, 5
Types of Conjunctivitis
There are several types of conjunctivitis, including:
- Viral conjunctivitis, which typically presents with watery discharge 4, 5
- Bacterial conjunctivitis, which typically presents with mucopurulent discharge 4, 5
- Allergic conjunctivitis, which typically presents with itching, tearing, and chemosis 5, 6
Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic procedures for conjunctivitis include:
- Direct inoculation of conjunctival swabs onto agar plates 2
- Use of Stuart medium to transport swabs to the laboratory for inoculation 2
- Preliminary conjunctival swab culture results to guide treatment 3
Treatment Guidance
Treatment for conjunctivitis can be guided by: