Definition

Conjunctivitis is swelling and irritation in the eye. It affects the tissue that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. This tissue is called the conjunctiva.

Eye with Conjunctivitis Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

There are many causes of conjunctivitis including:

• Viral infection
• Bacterial infection
• Allergic reaction, usually related to seasonal allergies
• Chemical irritation caused by:
  • Air pollutants
  • Soap
  • Smoke
  • Chlorine
  • Make-up
  • Other chemicals

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious.

Risk Factors

This condition is more common in children.

Factors that may increase your risk of conjunctivitis include:

• Contact with a person who has conjunctivitis
• Sharing towels, linens, or other objects (even doorknobs) with an infected person
• Exposure to chemical or environmental irritants
• Contact lenses, especially if contacts are not cleaned and stored properly
• Seasonal allergies or contact with known allergens

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Red, watery eyes
• Swollen inner eyelids
• Scratchy feeling in the eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Pus-like or watery discharge
• Swelling of the eyelid

Conjunctivitis will usually clear up within 2-14 days. If conjunctivitis is caused by a seasonal allergy, it may continue throughout the season. If it is caused by a non-seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur year round.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Your eyes will be examined. If there is discharge from your eye, it may be tested. The discharge will help find the cause of the conjunctivitis.

Treatment

Avoid wearing contact lenses until the conjunctivitis has cleared.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis:

Prevention

To decrease your chance of conjunctivitis:

• Do not share makeup or eye drops with anyone.
• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, pillows, and handkerchiefs,
• Wash your hands frequently. Keep your hands away from your eyes.
• Clean contact lenses daily. Never sleep while wearing them unless advised to do so by your eye doctor.
• In case of allergic conjunctivitis, avoid the allergy causing substances and irritants.

Your doctor may recommend other prevention methods, depending on the cause.