Medical Data Interpretation

Bacterial Conjunctivitis Vs other causes A clinical scoring system has been developed to distinguish bacterial from other causes of conjunctivitis in healthy adults who did not wear contact lenses.  A score of +5 to −3 is determined as follows: ~ Two glued eyes (+5); one glued eye (+2); history of conjunctivitis (−2); eye itching (−1). ~ A score of +5, +4, or +3 is useful in ruling in bacterial conjunctivitis with specificities of 100%, 94%, and 92%, respectively. ~ Scores of −1, −2, or −3 are useful in ruling out bacterial conjunctivitis with sensitivities of 98%, 98%, and 100%,  respectively. Allergic conjunctivitis is typically bilateral and accompanied by eye itching. Giant papillary conjunctivitis is a type of allergic reaction, most commonly to soft contact lenses

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the term used to describe dry eyes. This phenomenon can occur in isolation (primary Sjögren syndrome) or in association with many other rheumatological conditions. The test is performed by attaching a specially shaped piece of filter paper to the lower eyelid. This is left for 5 min, and the distance that has become wet is then measured. Normally 10 mm or more of the paper will become wet. It is important to bear in mind, however, that normal tear production is reduced in old age. Also, drugs with anticholinergic properties, such as tricyclic antidepressants, reduce tear production and may result in a false-positive Schirmer test.