There are four problems which pharmacists may consider treating, provided they are of a minor nature and are not associated with pain. These include conjunctivitis, red eye, dry eye and styes. Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin, vascular and mucous membrane which covers the external surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Incidence The Proprietary Association of Great Britain's survey found that 16 per cent of the sample surveyed reported minor eye problems over a one-year period. Chlamydial conjunctivitis may be related to a genital infection and such patients should be referred.
Viral infections are common and are frequently related to a cold.
Many bacteria will produce conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae. Many agents cause allergies in the eyes, including preservatives for eye drops and contact lens solutions, pollens, animal dander and other allergic rhinitis agents, and some chemicals such as chlorine, paints and volatile solvents. Patho- physiology Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to any of the above agents is the result of the body's standard defence mechanism against toxic foreign material. This results in the release of the various mediators, including prostoglandins and vasoactive amines. Any excess exudation may present a problem of drainage through the naso-lachrymal duct.