Viral conjunctivitis
What is it?
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| PInpoint conjunctival hemorrhages on the inner surface of the upper eyelid. |
The conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is a thin layer of transparent tissue that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva. There are many causes, the most common of which are infectious conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
Infectious conjunctivitis
Infectious conjunctivitis usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other in a day or two. Patients with conjunctival infection complain of watery, red, gritty and uncomfortable eyes.
The commonest causes of conjunctival infection are bacteria and virus. Most bacterial conjunctivitis will settle in a week without complications. Antibiotic drops may hasten recovery a little.
Viral conjunctivitis
There are many viruses that can cause conjunctivitis. The most important are the adenoviruses, the same viruses that give rise to chest infections and diarrhoea in children.
