It is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the layer that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
It is caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with contaminated hands or clothing, or through sneezing.
Both eyes are red with significant watering, a feeling of having sand inside and yellow rheum or sleep.
It is diagnosed through questioning and physical examination.
As this is a viral infection, it is NOT treated with antibiotics, only requiring measures to stop the spread of the disease to others: avoid constant eye rubbing, frequent hand washing and avoiding cosmetics and contact lenses during the infection. It usually clears on its own in 10 to 14 days, but if it lasts longer, the eye hurts or if the rheum is green, a consultation with an ophthalmologist is advised in order to assess a possible bacterial superinfection and a possible need for antibiotics.
- Deborah S Jacobs, MD. Conjunctivitis. UpToDate. Aug 22, 2016.
- Rose PW, Harnden A, Brueggemann AB, et al. Chloramphenicol treatment for acute infective conjunctivitis in children in primary care: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2005; 366:37.
- Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, van Schayck CP, et al. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD001211.
- Pardiñas-Pérez MR, Alonso Martín L, Sepúlveda Berrocal MA, Hernández de Francisco L. Ojo Rojo. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1161-1166.
- Horton JC. Trastornos de los ojos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 199
