Conjunctivitis Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Eye Conjunctivitis Definition Conjunctivitis is an 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 bacteria, Chlamydia, fungi, and rarely, parasites. "Pink eye" refers to a viral infection of the conjunctiva. These infections are especially contagious among children. Bacteria are an uncommon cause of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is also caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), chemical exposure, and certain systemic (throughout the body) diseases. 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. Use of contact lenses, particularly extended-wear lenses, can cause conjunctivitis. 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. Continue reading this article

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Allergic conjunctivitis (3 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Allergic conjunctivitis describes the eye's reaction to allergy-causing substances like pollen and dander. It usually includes redness, tearing, and itching. 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: 09/01/2006

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 OReilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens 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 an eye infection caused by bacteria. 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: 09/22/2006

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