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Diphtheria conjunctivitis
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Diphtheritic conjunctivitis is usually combined with diphtheria of the nose, pharynx and larynx, but can occur as an isolated disease. Despite the typical picture of diphtheria, no changes are found in the pharynx - the diphtheritic film is localized only on the conjunctiva.
[ Symptoms of diphtheritic conjunctivitis
Diphtheritic conjunctivitis begins acutely. The eyelids swell greatly, become dense, their skin becomes hyperemic. Typical grayish-dirty dry films and hemorrhages appear on the conjunctiva of the eyelids (usually the upper one) and on their intercostal space. The films are difficult to remove, and a bleeding ulcerous surface is found underneath. Conjunctivitis is accompanied by significant purulent discharge. Healing occurs with the formation of scars at the site of the ulcers. In the first days, diphtheritic conjunctivitis can be complicated by a disease of the cornea. If an ulcer occurs on the cornea, a scar (leukoma) of larger or smaller sizes can form; in some cases, dense purulent melting of the cornea occurs.
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Treatment and prognosis of diphtheritic conjunctivitis
Treatment of patients with diphtheritic conjunctivitis is carried out in an infectious disease hospital. The decisive factor in treatment is the introduction of antidiphtheria serum (20,000-40,000 U) according to Bezredka, even in doubtful cases. It is necessary to prescribe penicillin antibiotics to which the diphtheria bacillus is sensitive. In combined forms of diphtheria, glucocorticoid therapy is also included (prednisolone at a dose of 2-5 mg / kg of body weight per day). Locally, frequent eye washes with disinfectant solutions (potassium permanganate, furacilin, boric acid), instillations of a 30% solution of sodium sulfacyl 5-6 times a day, antibiotics (penicillin, 0.5% solution of ampicillin), mydriatics are prescribed - depending on the state of the cornea.
The prognosis for diphtheria is very serious both for the eye and for the life of the patient.