CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva. The
conjunctiva is the thin 'skin' that covers the white part of the eyes
and the inside of the eyelids
What causes conjunctivitis? 
Infection is the most common cause. Allergy is another common cause.
For example, many people with hay fever (allergic to pollen) have
red and inflamed conjunctiva. Irritant conjunctivitis sometimes occurs.
For example, your conjunctiva may become inflamed after getting some
shampoo in your eyes. The chlorine in swimming baths is a common
cause of mild irritant conjunctivitis. The rest of this leaflet is
about conjunctivitis caused by infection
Common infective conjunctivitis
Most cases of infective conjunctivitis are caused by common bacteria
and viruses - often the same ones that cause coughs and colds. Conjunctivitis
commonly develops when you have a cold or cough. Sometimes it occurs
alone. In the vast majority of cases, infective conjunctivitis is
not serious and clears within a few days without leaving any permanent
damage to the eye
More serious types of infective conjunctivitis
Rarely, infective conjunctivitis is more serious. For example:
- Conjunctivitis may develop in addition to keratitis (infection
of the cornea). This is most commonly due to an infection with the
herpes virus (the cold sore virus). If you have keratitis you are
likely to get eye pain rather than just surface irritation, and often
blurring of vision
- A virus called adenovirus can sometimes cause a serious and prolonged
conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis in newborn babies caused by germs called chlamydia
or gonorrhoea. These are serious sexually transmitted infections
and need urgent treatment if they affect the eye of babies. If a
mother has one of these infections in her vagina, they can be passed
onto the eye of their baby during childbirth. Note: this is different
to the very common 'sticky eye' of newborn babies caused by a blocked
tear duct. A blocked tear duct with sticky eye does not cause redness
and inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Some adults develop conjunctivitis due to chlamydia
- When conjunctivitis is just part of a more serious infection of
deeper structures of the eye which may be indicated by pain in the
eye, reduced vision, or swelling around the eye
What are the symptoms of common infective conjunctivitis?
- One eye may be infected, but it usually spreads to both eyes. The
whites of the eyes look inflamed, and red or pink
- The eyes may feel gritty and water more than usual
- Some mild soreness may develop, but it is not usually very painful
- The eyelids may become swollen, and are often stuck together with
gluey material (discharge) after a sleep
- Vision is not normally affected. You may get some blurring of vision
due to discharge at the front of the eye. However, this clears with
blinking
What is the treatment for common infective conjunctivitis?
- Not treating is an option for mild infections. The tears contain
chemicals that fight off bacteria. Many infections clear on their
own within 2-5 days without treatment. If symptoms get worse then
see a doctor to check your eye and to see if you need treatment
- Bathing the eyes with cool clean water may be soothing
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment are often prescribed. Antibiotics
do not kill viruses. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference
between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. An antibiotic will clear
bacteria, and prevent secondary bacterial infection of a viral conjunctivitis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant as some eye drops may not be
suitable
- Infective conjunctivitis is contagious. The likelihood of passing
it on is not high unless you are in close contact with others. However,
until the infection has gone, to help to prevent passing it on wash
your hands regularly, particularly after touching your eyes
- Do not share towels, pillows or utensils
- Do not wear contact lenses until symptoms have completely gone,
and for 24 hours after the last dose of any eye drops or ointment
What should I look out for?
- Serious infections - most conjunctival infections are not serious,
do not harm the eye, and clear in a few days. However, some infections
such as herpes or chlamydia persist longer than usual, are more serious,
and need special treatment. These may start off like a common conjunctivitis
but become worse
- Other eye problems - sometimes it is difficult for a doctor to tell the difference between infective and allergic conjunctivitis. They can appear very similar. This is often a problem in the hay fever season when red, watery eyes are common. Also, some other eye conditions can cause a red eye and may be mistaken at first for conjunctivitis
- See a doctor if any of the following occur:
- Symptoms do not settle within a few days
- Symptoms change (for example, light starts to hurt your eyes)
- Pain becomes worse (mild soreness rather than pain is usual with common conjunctivitis)
- Spots or blisters develop on the skin next to the eye
- Your vision becomes affected
Source text: Adapted with permission from a © document
supplied by EMIS and PIP
Image source: University of Pittsburgh
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
