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Conjunctivitis
Medical Questions » Conjunctivitis
| Name: Conjunctivitis |
| Also known as: |
| Inflammation of the outer surface (cornea) of the eye, due to an allergy (see allergic conjunctivitis entry), or a viral or bacterial infection. |
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Bacterial: most common form of conjunctivitis. Due to bacteria infecting the thin film of tears that covers the eye. Very easily passed from one person to another (eg. a patient rubs their eyes with a hand, then shakes hands, and the second person then rubs their eyes). Babies suffering from a blocked tear duct may have recurrent infections. Tears are produced in the lacrimal gland beyond the outer edge of the eye, move across the eye surface and then through a tiny tube at the inner edge of the eye that leads to the nose. If the duct is too small in an infant, or is blocked by pus or phlegm, the circulation of tears is prevented and infection results.
Viral: any one or more of a number of viruses infecting the cornea. Not quite as easily transmitted as bacterial conjunctivitis. |
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Bacterial: yellow or green pus forms in the eyes and may stick the eyelids together. The eyes are bloodshot and sore. Almost invariably involves both eyes.
Viral: slight pain or an itch, redness of the eye and often a clear sticky exudate. |
Tests for Conjunctivitis
Rarely, resistant infections make it necessary to take a swab from the eye to determine the exact bacteria or virus responsible. |
Treatment for Conjunctivitis
Bacterial: antibiotic drops or ointment on a regular basis until the infection clears. A blocked tear duct may be probed and cleared if conjunctivitis persists in a baby for several months, but most grow out of the problem.
Viral: the most difficult form to treat as there is no cure for most viral infections, but Herpes virus infections can be cured by anti-viral drops. Soothing drops and ointment may be used, but time is the main treatment.
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Complications of Conjunctivitis of its treatment
Bacterial: if allowed to persist, may cause scarring of the eye surface and a deterioration in sight.
Viral: none serious. |
Likely Outcome of Conjunctivitis
Bacterial: rapidly cured by antibiotics.
Viral: may persist for several weeks until the body' s own defenses overcome the infection. |
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