What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is redness and inflammation of the clear membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is often caused by a virus or by a bacterial infection, called infective conjunctivitis, although allergies, toxic agents and underlying diseases can also be responsible.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are extremely contagious. It’s easily spread through poor hand washing or by sharing an object (like a towel) with someone who has it. Children diagnosed with conjunctivitis may be asked to stay off school or nursery for a short period of time, although the Health Protection Agency says this is not necessary unless a child is unwell. Allergic conjunctivitis (caused by seasonal pollens, animal dander, cosmetics and perfumes) and chemical conjunctivitis (from toxic chemicals or liquids, including bleach and furniture polish) are not contagious.

Symptom: Eye redness

Red eyes are the typical, telltale symptom of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is a common condition that is rarely serious and will not cause long-term eye or vision damage if promptly detected and treated.

Symptom: Lots of tears

Infective and allergic conjunctivitis are known for causing more tear production than usual.

Symptom: Itchy or burning eyes

You would know it if you felt it - that overwhelming itchy, burning, or gritty feeling in the eyes, which is typical of conjunctivitis.

Symptom: Drainage from the eyes

A clear, watery drainage is common with viral and allergic conjunctivitis. When the drainage is more greenish-yellow (and there’s a lot of it), this is more likely to be bacterial conjunctivitis.

Symptom: Crusty eyelids

If you wake up with your eyes “stuck shut”, this may be caused by the discharge that accumulates during sleep from infective conjunctivitis. Crusty eyelids are less common with viral conjunctivitis than with bacterial conjunctivitis.

Symptom: Sensitivity to light

Conjunctivitis can cause mild sensitivity to light (photophobia). A child who has severe symptoms, such as changes in eyesight, photosensitivity or severe pain may have an infection that has spread beyond the conjunctiva and should be seen by a doctor.

Symptom: 'Something in the eye'

You may notice an irritating feeling like something is stuck in your eye. A child may describe the feeling as sand in the eye. Irritation or a gritty feeling in the eye can indicate conjunctivitis.

Diagnosing conjunctivitis

A doctor can usually diagnose conjunctivitis by its distinguishing symptoms. However a slit lamp examination may be required. In some cases, a swab of the discharge from the eye is sent to a lab for analysis to determine the cause.

When conjunctivitis means something more

Persistent conjunctivitis can be a sign of an underlying illness in the body. Most often these are inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Conjunctivitis is also seen in Kawasaki disease (a rare disease associated with fever in infants and young children) and certain inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Treating conjunctivitis

Antibiotics are not usually prescribed for infective conjunctivitis nowadays. If the symptoms are severe or persist then antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be recommended. Allergic conjunctivitis should improve once the allergen is removed and can be treated with anti-allergy eye drops. Chemical conjunctivitis requires prompt washing of the affected eye(s) for five minutes and immediate medical attention.

Easing symptoms

To reduce pain from conjunctivitis use a cold or warm compress on the eyes. Make sure you use a different flannel for each eye to prevent spreading any infection. And use clean flannels each time. Do likewise when removing discharge from the eyes by wiping from the inside to the outside of the eye area. For allergic conjunctivitis, an antihistamine may be used to alleviate symptoms.

How long am I contagious?

Conjunctivitis is infectious from around the time symptoms appear until the time when the symptoms have resolved. The Health Protection Agency advises that it is not generally necessary to keep a child with conjunctivitis away from school or nursery.

Preventing its spread

If you or your child has infective conjunctivitis, avoid touching the eye area, and wash your hands frequently. Never share towels or hankies, and throw away tissues after each use. Change bed linen and towels daily if possible. Disinfect all surfaces, including worktops, sinks and doorknobs. Throw away any makeup used while infected.

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