Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue that lines the white layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It causes the small blood vessels to swell, making the eye look pink or red.

Disease

Symptoms

Symptoms include redness, itching, a gritty feeling, discharge (watery, or thick and yellow/green), crusting of eyelids upon waking, and tearing. The type of conjunctivitis determines the cause: Viral (very contagious, often with watery discharge), Bacterial (contagious, with thick yellow/green discharge), or Allergic (not contagious, affects both eyes, with intense itching and watery discharge).

Diagnosis

An eye doctor can usually diagnose it based on symptoms and an examination of the eye using slit lamp biomicroscopy. In some cases, a sample of the discharge may be taken to identify the cause.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the type: Viral typically clears on its own in 1-2 weeks; cool compresses and artificial tears help comfort. Bacterial is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Allergic is managed with allergy eye drops, oral antihistamines, and avoiding allergens.

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Disease

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Disease

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Disease

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Disease

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Disease

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