Comprehensive Review of Conjunctivitis: Etiology, Diagnosis, Clinical Differentiation, and Evidence-Based Management

Abstract

One of the most common eye diseases observed in primary care and ophthalmology is conjunctivitis, which accounts for more than 1% of all primary care visits and places a significant financial strain on the healthcare system. To distinguish it from other potentially vision-threatening causes of red eye, a comprehensive clinical assessment is required due to its many etiologies, which include viral, bacterial, allergic, toxic and systematic disease-associated types. The current research on conjunctivitis’ epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestation, diagnostic techniques, and treatment compiles in this review. Given the clinical overlap and frequent misinterpretation, special attention is paid to differentiating infectious from non-infectious forms and viral from bacterial etiologies. The limits of laboratory diagnostics advancements, especially PCR and fast antigen detection, are examined. Conjunctivitis associated with severe mucocutaneous conditions such Stevens-Jhonson syndrome, reactive arthritis, rosacea, and graft-versus-host disease are also discussed in the review. Evidence-based recommendations and possible risks are taken into consideration when evaluating current treatment options, including the function of antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and supportive medicines. Reducing needless antibiotic usage, avoiding problems, and enhancing patient outcomes all depend on an understanding of the various presentations and suitable management techniques.