Final answer:
Pannus in the context of eye conditions is an abnormal growth of inflamed tissue over the cornea, possibly due to diseases like trachoma or from chronic eye irritation. It must be distinguished from self-resolving conditions like viral conjunctivitis, which does not benefit from antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pannus is a medical term that refers to an abnormal layer of fibrovascular tissue or granulation tissue. In the context of eye conditions, pannus often refers to the growth of this kind of inflamed tissue over the cornea. It's commonly associated with conditions such as trachoma, an infectious eye disease, but can also relate to chronic dry eyes, contact lens overuse, or other inflammatory disorders. When dealing with pannus or other eye conditions such as viral conjunctivitis, it's important to seek professional medical advice. Viral conjunctivitis, for example, typically resolves on its own without treatment, while pannus might require different treatment strategies depending on its underlying cause.