Give the layers of the conjunctiva
- PTF (Pre-corneal/preconjunctival tear film)
- Epithelium (with goblet cells)
- Substantia propria (immunological processes)
Blood vessels of the conjunctiva: Summary
- Superficial & deep systems → Communication
- These two systems can be distinguished when engorged
Conjunctival vessels: Appearance
- Bright red; Branch-like & tortuous
- Mobile with the conjunctiva
May be cleared with topical adrenaline
Ciliary vessels: Appearance
- Dark red; brush-like; short & straight
- Vessels are stationary
Topical adrenaline has Ø effect
List the notable lesions of the conjunctiva
- Conjunctival dermoid
- Conjunctival cyst
- Symblepharon
- Conjunctivitis
- Traumatic injury
- Tumours
Notable lesion of the conjunctiva: Conjunctival dermoid
Skin tissue is present on the conjunctiva
- Developmental abnormality → Hereford cattle
- CSx: Irritation, lacrimation & inflammation
- Tx: Removal, repair & realignment
Conjunctival cyst: Aetiology
- Ectopy of glandular tissue
- Obstruction of the conjunctival duct glands
- Trauma
Conjunctival cyst: Signs to look for
- Fluid-filled swelling
- Ø Inflammation
- Additional dx methods:
- Aspiration: Clear, water-like fluid
- Ultrasound
Conjunctival cyst: Treatment
Surgical resection
Notable lesion of the conjunctiva: Symblepharon
Adhesion of any portion of the conjunctiva to itself or to the cornea
Symblepharon: Aetiology
- Severe (viral) conjunctivitis
- Epithelial loss
- Adhesions
Symblepharon: Signs to look for
- Adhesions
- The cornea is covered by the conjunctiva
- Inhibition of the eyelid’s movement
- Inadequate widening of the palpebral fissure
- Ø Vision
Symblepharon: Treatment
Surgery
If the condition is reoccurring
Notable lesion of the conjunctiva: Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Primary: Ø Involvement of other ocular structures
- Secondary: Sequel of other ocular/systemic inflammation
Conjunctivitis: Causes
- Pathogenic
- Allergic
- Chemical
- Traumatic
Conjunctivitis: Duration
- Acute
- Subacute
- Chronic
Conjunctivitis: Appearance
- Serous
- Mucoid; Mucopurulent; purulent
- Haemorrhagic
- Follicular
- Fibroplastic
Conjunctivitis: Signs to look for
- Hyperaemia
- Chemosis
- Discharge
- Hemorrhage
- Follicle-formation
- Pruritis
Conjunctivitis: Additional diagnostic methods
- Culturing
- Scraping
- Biopsy
Conjunctivitis: Treatment (bacterial cause)
- ABx
- ABx & Steroid combination if chronic
- Warm compress & cleaning
Conjunctivitis: Treatment (viral cause)
Non-specific tx
Conjunctivitis: Treatment (fungal cause)
- Systemic antifungal drugs
- Long-term tx
Conjunctivitis: Treatment (parasitic cause)
- Manual parasite removal
- Systemic antiparasicides
- Fly repellants
- Topical/subconjunctival steroids (if chronic)
Conjunctivitis: Treatment (allergic cause)
Topical/subconjunctival/systemic steroids
