Conjunctivitis is sometimes misdiagnosed as Blepharitis

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Blepharitis, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Conjunctivitis.

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Viral causes require no treatment and improve on their own. If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops are given. On the other hand, if the conjunctivitis is caused by allergy, antihistamines in the form of drops or tablets may be required. Conjunctivitis is diagnosed by the doctor thorough a physical examination and examining the patient’s eye. A swab from the eye secretions might be sent for testing to check for the cause.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, swollen conjunctiva, more tears than usual, thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes especially after sleep, green or white discharge from the eye, itchy eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision, more sensitive to light, swollen lymph nodes

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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