Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Causes

Study Notes

Symptoms

Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye)
Discharge or pus in the eye, which may be thick and yellow or greenish in bacterial conjunctivitis
Itching, burning, or grittiness in the eyes
Excessive tearing
Blurred vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning
Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear

Causes

Viral conjunctivitis: most common cause, usually caused by adenovirus
Bacterial conjunctivitis: caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
Allergic conjunctivitis: caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances
Irritant conjunctivitis: caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants
Giant papillary conjunctivitis: caused by irritation from contact lenses or other foreign objects

Treatment

Viral conjunctivitis: no specific treatment, but symptoms can be managed with lubricating eye drops and cold compresses
Bacterial conjunctivitis: treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment
Allergic conjunctivitis: treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications
Irritant conjunctivitis: treated by removing the irritant and applying lubricating eye drops
Giant papillary conjunctivitis: treated by removing the foreign object and applying lubricating eye drops

Complications

Corneal ulcers: open sores on the cornea, which can lead to vision loss
Chronic conjunctivitis: long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva
Blepharitis: inflammation of the eyelids
Dry eye syndrome: chronic dryness of the eyes
Scarring: permanent scarring of the cornea

Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis:
- More common than bacterial conjunctivitis
- Often accompanied by a cold or sore throat
- No discharge or a watery discharge
- Resolves on its own within 7-14 days
Bacterial conjunctivitis:
- Less common than viral conjunctivitis
- Often accompanied by a thick, yellow or greenish discharge
- Responds to antibiotic treatment
- Can lead to complications if left untreated

Symptoms

Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, accompanied by discharge or pus in the eye, which may be thick and yellow or greenish in bacterial conjunctivitis
Itching, burning, or grittiness in the eyes, excessive tearing, and blurred vision
Increased sensitivity to light, crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning, and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear

Causes

Viral conjunctivitis, caused by adenovirus, is the most common cause
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances
Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is caused by irritation from contact lenses or other foreign objects

Treatment

Viral conjunctivitis is managed with lubricating eye drops and cold compresses, with no specific treatment
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment
Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications
Irritant conjunctivitis is treated by removing the irritant and applying lubricating eye drops
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is treated by removing the foreign object and applying lubricating eye drops

Complications

Corneal ulcers, open sores on the cornea, can lead to vision loss
Chronic conjunctivitis, long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva, can occur
Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, can be a complication
Dry eye syndrome, chronic dryness of the eyes, can occur
Scarring, permanent scarring of the cornea, is a possible complication

Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is more common, often accompanied by a cold or sore throat, and has no discharge or a watery discharge
Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common, often accompanied by a thick, yellow or greenish discharge, and responds to antibiotic treatment
Viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own within 7-14 days, while bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to complications if left untreated

Conjunctivitis

Symptoms

Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva
Discharge or pus in the eye, often thick, yellow or greenish
Itching, burning, or gritty sensation in the eye
Excessive tearing
Swollen eyelids
Blurred vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes

Causes

Viral infections (most common)
Bacterial infections (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus)
Allergies
Irritants (e.g., chemicals, cosmetics)
Dry eyes
Contact lens use
Blocked tear ducts
Poor hygiene

Treatment

Viral conjunctivitis: cold compresses, artificial tears
Bacterial conjunctivitis: antibiotic eye drops or ointment
Allergic conjunctivitis: avoidance of allergen, antihistamine eye drops
Topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers for allergic conjunctivitis
Pain relief medications (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis: more common, no discharge or thin, watery discharge, no effective treatment, but resolves on its own
Bacterial conjunctivitis: less common, thick, yellow or greenish discharge, responds to antibiotic treatment

Complications

Corneal ulcers or perforation (rare)
Chronic conjunctivitis
Dry eye syndrome
Increased risk of corneal scarring or vision loss if left untreated
Secondary infections (e.g., cellulitis)

Description

Identify the common symptoms and causes of conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, including viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Test your knowledge of the signs and symptoms of this eye condition.