Conjunctivitis is a painful, itchy inflammation of the eyes and eyelids.
Disease Facts
Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by several different bacteria and viruses. Haemophilus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus are the most common bacterial causes; and adenoviruses are the most common viral agents. Clinically, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are similar.
Children under 5 are most often affected. Older children and adults may also get conjunctivitis, but less frequently.
It is spread by contact with discharges of the eyes or respiratory tract of infected people, from contaminated fingers, clothing and other articles, including shared eye makeup applicators, and eyedroppers.
Symptoms include white or yellowish discharge from one or both eyes, tears, pain, swelling and reddening of the eyelids, matted eyelids after sleep, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, infiltration of the cornea may occur. The illness may last from 2 days to 2-3 weeks.
Symptoms usually appear 24 to 72 hours after exposure for bacterial conjunctivitis; and 5-12 days for viral conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis can be transmitted as long as there is active infection in the eyes.
Conjunctivitis is diagnosed through clinical examination, microscopic examination, bacterial culture, or viral culture.
Most types of mild bacterial or viral conjunctivitis are usually self-limited and probably don’t require treatment. A medical provider may recommend eye ointment or drops containing antibiotics for treating severe bacterial conjunctivitis. Treatment for viral conjunctivitis is generally ineffective.
No exclusions are recommended, unless the child has a fever or is not healthy enough to participate in routine activities.
Infected persons should practice good personal hygiene, especially hand-washing before and after touching the eyes; and proper disposal of articles soiled with eye or respiratory secretions.