What is conjunctivitis?
The thin, transparent layer covering the white part of your eye and lining the inside of your eyelids is called the conjunctiva.
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of this membrane. Causes include:
Infection (bacterial or viral, commonly flu viruses) – infectious conjunctivitis
Allergy – allergic conjunctivitis
What are the symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis?
Infectious conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes. The white of the eye may appear inflamed, swollen, and red. You may feel a foreign body sensation, and your eyes may be watery or sticky. Eyelids can swell and stick together, especially in the morning. Vision may become blurry due to tears or sticky discharge. You may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, muscle aches, and general malaise.
Treatment of infectious conjunctivitis
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No treatment: Most infections resolve on their own within a few days to weeks.
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Antibiotic eye drops or ointment: Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics; they may last 2–3 weeks until natural immunity clears the virus. Antibiotics may be useful for bacterial conjunctivitis.
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Lubricating drops, gels, or ointments: Reduce discomfort and inflammation but do not shorten the infection duration.
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Pain relief: Over-the-counter or prescribed paracetamol or ibuprofen can relieve discomfort and flu-like symptoms, if not contraindicated.
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Frequent eyelid cleaning: Remove sticky discharge with a clean gauze or cloth soaked in warm water.
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Steroid eye drops: Occasionally used in severe cases.
Is it contagious?
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It spreads easily through water droplets (coughing or sneezing) or by contact with tissues, towels, clothes, pillowcases, etc. Frequent handwashing and careful handling of used items are essential to prevent spreading to family members or colleagues.
Contact lens users:
Do not wear contact lenses until symptoms have completely resolved.
Possible complications:
Viral conjunctivitis can sometimes cause inflammation of the cornea (the front part of the eye) or scarring of the conjunctiva, which may affect vision. These complications generally respond well to treatment.
Source: Moorfields Eye Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust
