Infective Conjunctivitis (Eye Infection)

Infective conjunctivitis is the most common cause for a red eye.  Most conjunctivitis are caused by virus (such as Adenovirus) which may also cause you to have a common cold (flu-like symptoms) and bacterial infection.  Less common causes include herpes virus corneal infection, shingles (chicken pox virus) infection around the eyelids or fungal ulcer from injury.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis infection involves only the white part of the eye causing redness, swelling, watering and eye discharge (which is usually worse on waking resulting in crusts on the eyelashes).  The conjunctival may be swollen (also known as chemosis).  Usually there is NO pain or light sensitivity UNLESS the infection has gone deeper to become a corneal ulcer or there is internal eye inflammation called iritis / uveitis. This is a more serious eye condition for which you need to see an Eye Specialist ASAP.

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications (which can be for up to 7-14 days);

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment
• Antiviral eye ointment
• Mild anti-inflammatory eye drops (like NSAIDs or steroids) to reduce the inflammation
• Lubricant eye drops to make the eye less gritty or sandy feeling
• Oral antibiotics (if the infection is quite severe with swollen eyelids)

Precautions for while you are on Eye Treatment

• Avoid sharing towels, eye make-up, bedding or pillows which can spread the infection
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for 2 weeks AFTER the eye infection has resolved
• Use tissue to wipe your eye discharge or tears and dispose immediately as this tissue can spread the infection. Wash your hands after disposing the tissue
• Wash your hands before AND after you use the eye medication

If you develop severe pain or sensitivity to light, the infection may have progressed to become a corneal ulcer.  You will need to see an Eye Specialist as soon as possible

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If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.