Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye
Common presenting symptoms are
- Redness
- Itching and sensation of something inside the eye
- Drainage from the eye
- Eyes maybe matted shot when first waking up
Conjunctivitis can be cause by bacteria, viruses (including COVID) and allergies
Viral & even bacterial conjunctivitis will usually resolve on its own
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious so infected individuals should not share handkerchiefs, tissues, cosmetics, etc.
Reasons for urgent referral to an ophthalmologist include decreased vision, headache, nausea, eye tenderness, light sensitivity
