Conjunctivitis

 

Conjunctivitis can result from many causes. These causes include viruses, bacteria, allergens, contact lens use (especially the extended-wear type), chemicals, fungi, and certain diseases.

 

Infected children should be allowed to remain in school once any indicated therapy is implemented, except when viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is accompanied by systemic signs of illness. However, infected students should refrain from attending school if their behavior is such that close contact with other students cannot be avoided.

 

Viral conjunctivitis can be caused by the following viruses, with adenoviruses being the most common cause:

• Adenoviruses

• Picornaviruses, such as enterovirus 70 and coxsackievirus A24

• Rubella virus

• Rubeola (measles) virus

• Herpesviruses, including

  • Herpes simplex virus

  • Varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox and shingles

  • Epstein-Barr virus, which also causes infectious mononucleosis (mono)

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Most viruses that cause conjunctivitis are spread through hand-to-eye contact by hands or objects that are contaminated with the infectious virus. Hands can become contaminated by coming in contact with infectious tears, eye discharge, fecal matter, or respiratory discharges.

 

 

Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Most bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are spread through direct hand-to-eye contact from contaminated hands. People can get conjunctivitis just by touching or using something that has been infected by a person who has the eye infection. Infectious conjunctivitis (viral or bacterial) can also be spread by large respiratory tract droplets. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common in children older than 5 years of age.

Globally, the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma) is the leading cause of preventable blindness of infectious origin. Trachoma is a chronic follicular conjunctivitis, which is transmitted from person-to-person, through shared items or by flies.

 

Allergic conjunctivitis is common in people who have other signs of allergic disease, such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema. It is caused by the body’s reaction to certain substances to which it is allergic, such as

• Pollen from trees, plants, grasses, and weeds

• Dust mites

• Animal dander

• Molds

• Contact lenses and lens solution

• Cosmetics