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Sticky eyes in babies
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Sticky eyes since birth:
No conjunctival redness. Self-limiting.
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Bathe with boiled water.
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Vaseline over eyelids at night sometimes helps.
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Usually cleared by age 2: Do not consider referral before then, as
probing the lachrymal duct can cause stenosis.
Conjunctivitis
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Neonates: Consider
ophthalmia neonatorum
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Infants: Sometimes Haemophilus - consider Chloramphenicol
ointment if severe.
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Children: Usually viral, associated with coryzal signs and
symptoms - treat as sticky eye.
Ophthalmia neonatorum
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Classically presents with purulent discharge age 6 days.
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Caused by Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea.
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Child:
Eye swabs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
Consider serum antibodies.
Rx Tetracycline eye drops hourly and Erythromycin
62.5mg/2.5ml qds.
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Parents:
Endocervical and penile swabs for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Treat according
to swab results.
Brad Cheek: