Very low urgency
Common-
Inflammation of the layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, also known as conjunctiva.
It is most commonly caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with infected hands or clothing when sneezing.
Both eyes are red with significant watering and a sensation of having sand inside, as well as yellow rheum.
Diagnosis is clinical through questioning and a physical examination.
Since it is a viral infection, it is NOT treated with antibiotics, only measures to not spread it to other people around you are required: avoid rubbing your eyes constantly, wash your hands frequently, avoid cosmetics and not wear contact lenses during the infection. It usually gets better on its own in 10 to 14 days but if the condition persists over time, if there is pain in the eye or the rheum are greener than usual, it is recommended to check with an ophthalmologist or your paediatrician to evaluate a possible bacterial superinfection and antibiotics are needed.
- 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
Dr. Maria Trabazo
Copyright© TeckelMedical 2026
