Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye)

Viral conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with the common cold. This may be caused by a virus called 'adenovirus'. This type of conjunctivitis can spread rapidly between people and may cause an epidemic of conjunctivitis.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis

This type of conjunctivitis is caused by an organism called Chlamydia trachomatis. This organism may also affect other parts of the body and can cause the venereal disease chlamydia .

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is common in people who have other signs of allergic disease such as hay fever, asthma and eczema. The conjunctivitis is often caused by antigens like pollen, dust mites or cosmetics.

Reactive conjunctivitis - chemical or irritant conjunctivitis

Some people are very susceptible to chemicals in swimming pools or to smoke or fumes and this can cause an irritation of the conjunctiva with discomfort, redness and watering. In such cases these irritants should be avoided.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis This is a condition that affects both eyelids. They usually feel gritty with a sticky discharge. Both eyes are red. The eyelids may be stuck together particularly in the mornings, and there may be discharge on the eyelashes.

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