Summary
Definition
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eyeball caused by bacteria, viruses, allergic or immunologic reactions, mechanical irritation, or medications.[1]
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Viral conjunctivitisFrom the collection of Robert Sambursky, MD; used with permission [Citation ends].
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- watery discharge
- ropy, mucoid discharge
- purulent discharge
- itching predominant symptom
- eyelids stuck together in morning
- tender, preauricular lymphadenopathy
Other diagnostic factors
- conjunctival follicles
- superficial punctate keratopathy
- unilateral disease
- corneal subepithelial infiltrates
- corneal pannus
- vesicular skin rash
Risk factors
- exposure to infected person
- infection in one eye
- environmental irritants
- allergen exposure
- camps, swimming pools, military bases
- Asian or Mediterranean young male
- atopy
- asthma
- hay fever
- contact lens use
- ocular prosthesis
- topical eye medication
- oral antihistamine/anticholinergic drugs
- sebaceous gland carcinoma
- mechanical irritation
- history of rheumatologic disease
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- cell culture
- Gram stain
- polymerase chain reaction
- ocular pH
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Fellowship-Trained Ophthalmologist
Manatee Sarasota Eye Clinic & Laser Center
Bradenton
FL
Disclosures
RS serves as a consultant for Quidel, the manufacturer of the QuickVue Adeonvirus test, an advisory board member for Allergan, the manufacturer of gatifloxacin, and NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc, the manufacturer of aganocides.
Dr Robert Sambursky would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Lee Raykovicz, a previous contributor to this topic.
Peer reviewers
Director
Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery
Long Island College Hospital Eye Center
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn
NY
Disclosures
ME declares that he has no competing interests.
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Sunderland Eye Infirmary
Sunderland
UK
Disclosures
SF declares that he has no competing interests.
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