Summary

• Most commonly caused by allergy or infection (bacterial or viral).
• Symptoms include an irritated red eye with a watery or purulent discharge.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is usually bilateral with watery discharge and itching.
• Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis includes topical mast cell stabilisers and antihistamines; bacterial conjunctivitis treatment includes topical antibiotics; viral conjunctivitis requires symptomatic treatment.
• Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious; measures to prevent spread of infection should be considered.