Inflammation of the layer that covers the whitish part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, called the conjunctiva.
It is caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with infected hands or clothing, or through sneezing.
The eyes are red with significant tearing, a gritty sensation inside the eye and yellow discharge.
It is diagnosed by interrogation and clinical examination.
As it is a viral infection it is NOT treated with antibiotics, it only requires measures to avoid spreading to others in the environment: avoid constant rubbing of the eyes, frequent hand washing and avoid cosmetics and contact lenses during the infection. It usually clears up on its own in 10-14 days, but if it lasts longer, if the eye hurts or if the discharge is greener, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist or your pediatrician to assess whether it has been over-infected by bacteria and an antibiotic is necessary.
- 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
