Conjunctivitis Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Eye Conjunctivitis Definition Conjunctivitis is swelling (inflammation) or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctiva). Alternative Names Inflammation - conjunctiva; Pink eye Causes, incidence, and risk factors The conjunctiva is exposed to bacteria and other irritants. Tears help protect the conjunctiva by washing away bacteria. Tears also contain enzymes and antibodies that kill bacteria. There are many causes of conjunctivitis. Viruses are the most common cause. Other causes include: Allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) Bacteria Certain diseases Chemical exposure Chlamydia Fungi Parasites (rarely) Use of contact lenses (especially extended-wear lenses) "Pink eye" refers to a viral infection of the conjunctiva. These infections are especially contagious among children. Newborns can be infected by bacteria in the birth canal. This condition is called ophthalmia neonatorum, and it must be treated immediately to preserve eyesight. See also: Allergic conjunctivitis Keratoconjunctivitis sicca Neonatal conjunctivitis Trachoma Vernal conjunctivitis Symptoms Blurred vision Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight Eye pain Gritty feeling in the eyes Increased tearing Itching of the eye Redness in the eyes Sensitivity to light Signs and tests Examination of the eyes Swab of conjunctiva for analysis Treatment Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment. It may disappear on its own when the allergen that caused it is removed. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis. Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Continue reading this article

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Allergic conjunctivitis (3 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids (conjuctiva) due to a reaction from allergy-causing substances such as pollen and dander. See also: Conjunctivitis Reviewer: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/22/2008

Vernal conjunctivitis (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Vernal conjunctivitis is swelling (inflammation) of the outer lining of the eyes due to an allergic reaction. Reviewer: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 01/25/2008

Neonatal conjunctivitis (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Neonatal conjunctivitis is a red eye in a newborn caused by irritation, a blocked tear duct, or infection. Reviewer: Deirdre O?Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children?s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/15/2007

Trachoma (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eye. Reviewer: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/22/2008

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