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ConjunctivitisPublished by Bupa's health information team, February 2008. This factsheet is for people who have conjunctivitis, or who would like information about the condition. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent layer that covers the white of the eye (the conjunctiva). It can cause redness, discharge from the eye, swelling of the eyelid, and sore or itchy eyes. About conjunctivitisConjunctivitis is often caused by an infection of the eye, which may be caused by a virus or bacteria. This is called infective conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by an allergy (allergic conjunctivitis). Pollen (hay fever), house dust mites or cosmetics typically cause allergic conjunctivitis. The symptoms of conjunctivitis can also develop if you get an eyelash, a piece of grit or another object stuck in your eye.
SymptomsConjunctivitis causes the following symptoms in one or both eyes:
The different types of conjunctivitis can have slightly different symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitisBoth eyes are usually affected at the same time with seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. You might have swollen eyelids and your eyes may be itchy and watery. You'll probably have other hay fever symptoms if you have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. These include sneezing, a runny, itchy nose and itchiness at the back of your throat. Your symptoms will vary depending on the pollen season and the weather. You might find your symptoms are worse on dry, windy days when there's more pollen in the air. You might have a rash on your eyelids if your conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a product. Infective conjunctivitisWith bacterial conjunctivitis you're likely to have some yellow pus-like discharge from your eyes, which might make your eyelids stick together after sleep. Your eyes may not be itchy. Viral conjunctivitis is more likely to cause a watery discharge that can be crusty in the morning but is not pus-like. You might also have cold-like symptoms, such as fever and a sore throat. Lymph nodes (glands throughout your body that are part of your immune system) in front of your ears might become swollen. The symptoms of infective conjunctivitis usually last around two to five days. When to see a doctorVisit your GP straight away if your eyes are very red, or if you have red eyes plus any of the following symptoms:
If you have the symptoms of conjunctivitis for more than a few days, or if you develop red eyes after a severe blow to your head or an eye injury (eg a finger poke or punch) you should also talk to your GP. If you use contact lenses and you develop red eyes and a discharge, stop wearing them and see your GP. CausesInfective conjunctivitisInfective conjunctivitis is more common in children and older people than in younger adults. It's caused by a virus in about half of cases, usually by a type called an adenovirus. This virus can also cause the common cold; you may develop conjunctivitis when you have a cold. Common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. You might catch it by touching your eyes after close contact with another person who has infective conjunctivitis, or from direct transfer from the nose. Sometimes babies develop conjunctivitis in the first few weeks after birth because an infection is passed on from the mother's cervix (the neck of the womb) or vagina during delivery. Infections passed on like this include chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Contact your GP, health visitor or midwife if your newborn baby has signs of an eye infection as these infections are potentially serious (see Symptoms). Allergic conjunctivitisYou might develop conjunctivitis if you're allergic to plant pollens that are released into the air at around the same time each year. This is called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or hay fever conjunctivitis. Perennial (all year round) allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by house dust mites or animal fur. Cosmetics, eye drops or other chemicals can also cause allergic conjunctivitis, which develops two to four days after the product comes into contact with your eyes. This is called contact allergic conjunctivitis. Sometimes a more severe form of allergic conjunctivitis known as giant papillary conjunctivitis can occur. This usually occurs in contact lens wearers or after eye surgery. DiagnosisYour GP can usually find out what's causing your conjunctivitis by listening to you talk about your symptoms and examining your eyes. Sometimes he or she may ask you to read a chart to check your vision. In severe cases, or if there is any doubt as to what is causing the problem, your GP might use a special dye and a blue light to examine the surface of the eye (this is called a fluorescein examination). He or she may also refer you to an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specialises in treating eye conditions) if a more serious condition is suspected. However, this isn't usually necessary for conjunctivitis. TreatmentSelf-helpIf you normally use contact lenses, don't wear them until the conjunctivitis has cleared up. It's also important that you don't rub your eyes because this can make inflammation worse. Infective conjunctivitisInfective conjunctivitis is contagious. Touching your eyes can spread an infection from one eye to the other, or to other people. Don't let any towel you use to dry the affected eye come into contact with the other eye. You should wash your hands and don't share pillows, towels or utensils with anyone. You don't need to take time off work when you have conjunctivitis, and if your children develop it they can still go to school. Allergic conjunctivitisThe most important treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is to keep away from whatever is causing the allergy. This might be easy if the cause is animal fur or cosmetics, but more difficult if it is pollen. Keeping windows and doors closed on days when the pollen count is very high may help to reduce symptoms. You might find a cold compress helps to relieve sore eyes. MedicinesYour GP may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment if you have bacterial conjunctivitis. These are also available over the counter at a pharmacy. Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice. Viral conjunctivitis will clear up on its own. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with various over-the-counter medicines or with a prescription. These come as eye drops. For more advice, talk to your GP or pharmacist. Sources
This information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr James Quekett, Bsc.MB Ch.B MRCGP DRCOG DFFP, partner/principal general practitioner at Rowcroft Medical Centre and by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: February 2008. Expected review date: February 2010.
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