Viral Conjunctivitis
What is Viral Conjunctivitis?
This is a condition that is very common in the colder months. It can happen in conjunction with having a cold or an upper respiratory tract infection. Poor hygiene conditions and places which have high traffic of people can be a source of this infection. It can vary in severity and is most commonly caused by adenovirus.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Presentation is with a red watery eye. People are generally in a fair degree of discomfort, either a gritty or burning feeling in the eye. It is most commonly in one eye and has a very high risk of spreading to the other. . It can spread into the cornea and cause blurry vision. Eyelids can be stuck together in the morning but there doesn’t tend to be any yellow/green discharge. This is indicative of a bacterial infection instead.
Is it contagious?
It is a very contagious condition. It will very commonly spread to the second eye. So hands must be kept clean after touching the infected eye. It is best to make sure towels aren’t shared and that surfaces and door handles are cleaned regularly.
How is it treated?
Anti-biotics will make no difference with this condition. The best way to treat is with constant lubrication and cold compresses for any swelling. Anti-histamine drops may be useful it itching is present. It can take one or two weeks to completely clear up.
Reference: College of Optometrists CMG’s
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