Viral conjunctivitis in children: the specific clinical features and treatment

Abstract

Over the last few years, viral conjunctivitis in children has become a significant challenge. Modern diagnostic techniques facilitate a prompt detection of this disease, assuming that a qualified approach is used by the ophthalmologist for making diagnosis in such cases. As a broad spectrum of drugs is available for the treatment of inflammation of the anterior eye segment, the ophthalmologist can customize medications for each patient with viral conjunctivitis. The key problem of pediatric ophthalmology is associated with the age limits for choosing eye drops and ointments. Besides, most cases of viral conjunctivitis in children occur amid infection of the upper respiratory tract, requiring a comprehensive approach to the management of this health condition. The article describes the most common types of child’s conjunctivitis and provides authors’ own findings for 195 patients, 0–18 years old, including the specific clinical features and the considerations for treatment. In addition, a clinical case report is presented where an incorrect interpretation of symptoms of the anterior eye segment inflammation has led to the inappropriate medication administration and the development of such complications as keratitis and reduced visual acuity. In general, timely diagnosis of the disease and adequate treatment of pediatric patients, in contrast to adults, ensures an uncomplicated clinical outcome, without scarring, uveitis or residual infiltrates. Keywords: viral conjunctivitis, keratitis, adenovirus, herpes, ocular mucous membrane, interferon, para-aminobenzoic acid. For citation: Kazinskaya N.V., Evgraphov V.Yu., Il’inskaya I.A. Viral conjunctivitis in children: the specific clinical features and treatment. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;22(3):191–196 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2022-22-3-191-196.