Question

Your patient has red eyes with increased clear tears, slightly swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to bright light. He has no fever or pus. You tell him he likely has?

1) Conjunctivitis
2) Corneal abrasion
3) Glaucoma
4) Cataracts

Answer 1

The patient likely has conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, which is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, red eyes, clear tears, and light sensitivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the description of the patient's symptoms, which include red eyes with increased clear tears, slightly swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to bright light, but no fever or pus, it is likely that the patient has conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. When accompanied by a watery discharge and without purulent discharge, as in this patient's case, it is commonly a result of viral conjunctivitis. On the other hand, symptoms of a corneal abrasion would typically include pain, a sensation of something in the eye, and possibly watery or purulent discharge due to secondary infection. Glaucoma often presents with rapid changes in vision, pain, and potentially a headache, rather than with clear tears and increased sensitivity to light. Cataracts involve a gradual clouding of the lens, resulting in blurry vision but not typically redness, increased tearing, or photophobia.