10 conjunctivitis facts

10 conjunctivitis facts

Key Points

• Conjunctivitis is a common acute condition characterised by inflammation of the conjunctiva.
• It can be caused by infections (bacterial, viral) or non-infections (allergic, irritant).
• Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

• Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink (or red) eye,” is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera) and the inside of the eyelids.
• The conjunctiva plays a vital role in maintaining eye health by producing mucus and tears.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: caused by bacterial infections, often accompanied by purulent discharge.
• Viral conjunctivitis: caused by viral infections, often accompanied by watery discharge.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: caused by allergic reactions to substances such as pollen or dust.
• Irritant conjunctivitis: caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants.
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis: caused by an allergic reaction to contact lenses.

3. Risk Factors

• Age: children and young adults are more prone to conjunctivitis.
• Poor hygiene.
• Contact lens use.
• Weakened immune system.
• Exposure to allergens or irritants.
• Recent or previous eye surgery.

• Bacterial infections (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae).
• Viral infections (e.g. adenovirus, herpes simplex).
• Allergens (e.g. pollen, dust).
• Irritants (e.g. chemicals, smoke).
• Contact lens use.

• Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva.
• Discharge or crusting (purulent or watery).
• Itching or burning sensation.
• Blurred vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Eye pain or discomfort.

Note. Conjunctivitis does not usually cause visual loss or blindness. If this is the case, you should consider alternatie diagnoses.

Symptoms may last from a few hours to 2 weeks

• Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical presentation and medical history.

• Swabbing for bacterial or viral cultures (if necessary).
• Allergy testing (if allergic conjunctivitis suspected).
• Visual acuity testing.

• Blepharitis.
• Keratitis.
• Uveitis – an important differential diagnosis, as can cause blindness.
• Dry eye syndrome.
• Sjögren’s syndrome.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: topical antibiotics (e.g. chloramphenicol eye drops). Patients can self-treat initially eye drops from a chemist.
• Viral conjunctivitis: supportive treatment (e.g. lubricants).
• Allergic conjunctivitis: antihistamines, mast cell stabilisers, or corticosteroids.
• Irritant conjunctivitis: removal of irritant, supportive treatment.

• Severe symptoms.
• Vision loss or blurred vision.
• Eye pain or discomfort.
• Discharge or crusting.
• Failure to respond to initial self-treatment (see above).
• Recurrent episodes.

These are rare.

• Corneal ulcers.
• Keratitis.
• Uveitis.
• Vision loss. Very rare.

• Most cases of conjunctivitis resolve with treatment.
• However, some cases may lead to complications or recurrent episodes.

10. Prevention

• Practice good hygiene (hand washing, avoid sharing makeup).
• Avoid rubbing eyes.
• Use protective eyewear.
• Replace contact lenses regularly.
• Avoid sharing contact lens solution.