Conjunctivitis
Overview
Risk Factors
The bacterial form is more common in children.
Things that may raise the risk are:
- Spending time in crowded or close spaces
- Contact with an infected person
- Sharing towels, linens, or other items with an infected person
- Having seasonal allergies or contact with known allergens
- Being around chemical irritants
- Wearing contact lenses
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause.
Medicine
Most forms of conjunctivitis clear up with time. Some people may be given antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat the bacterial form. Antibiotics cannot treat the viral form.
Artificial tears may be used. Some may have antihistamines in them to further ease symptoms. These are found at many stores.
Home Care
These methods may help ease problems:
- Cold or warm compresses
- Avoiding any causes of irritation
- Not wearing contact lenses until problems are gone
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Pink Eye)
RESOURCES
American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.cos-sco.ca
College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca
References
Allergic conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/allergic-conjunctivitis . Updated November 16, 2018. Accessed November 21, 2019.
Azari AA, Barney NP. Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment. JAMA. 2013 Oct 23;310(16):1721-1729.
Infectious conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infectious-conjunctivitis . Updated February 7, 2019. Accessed November 21, 2019.
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/eyes/Pages/PinkEye-Conjunctivitis.aspx. Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed November 21, 2019.