Long-term corticosteroid use can lead to glaucoma and possibly cataracts. Their use should therefore be initiated and monitored by an ophthalmologist. An acute conjunctival inflammation caused by a nongonococcal bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae are common causes of nongonococcal bacterial conjunctivitis. Symptoms, Signs, and Diagnosis Patients complain of conjunctival hyperemia, purulent discharge, ocular irritation, and eyelids that are stuck together on awakening.
Symptoms are more often unilateral.
The bulbar and tarsal conjunctivae are intensely hyperemic and edematous. Petechial subconjunctival hemorrhages, chemosis, and an enlarged preauricular lymph node are occasionally present. The discharge should be cultured, particularly if it is purulent. Smears should be examined microscopically and stained with Gram stain to identify bacteria and with Giemsa stain to determine the leukocytic response. To avoid transmitting infection, the physician must wash his hands thoroughly and sterilize instruments after examining the patient.