Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens, and is usually a mild, self-limiting condition.

• Redness of the eye
• Watery or purulent (thick, yellow) discharge
• Itching or a gritty/foreign-body sensation
• Eyelids may stick together, especially on waking
• Usually no significant pain or change in vision — features such as severe pain, photophobia, or reduced vision suggest a more serious eye condition needing urgent referral

• Bacterial infection, commonly causing a thicker, purulent discharge.
• Viral infection, often associated with a cold and watery discharge, and highly contagious.
• Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or other irritants, typically with itching in both eyes.

• Mainly a clinical diagnosis, based on the appearance of the eye and type of discharge.
• Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be difficult to distinguish clinically; the pattern of discharge and associated symptoms guide management.
• Any case with eye pain, reduced vision, photophobia, or a non-healing red eye should be referred urgently to rule out more serious eye disease.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with a topical antibiotic eye drop or ointment, such as chloramphenicol, applied several times daily for about 5–7 days.

Viral conjunctivitis is managed with supportive care — cool compresses and keeping the eye clean — as it usually resolves on its own; antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

Allergic conjunctivitis is managed by avoiding the trigger where identified, with antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines if needed.

Good hand and eye hygiene is advised to prevent spreading infective conjunctivitis to the other eye or to other people.

• Wash hands regularly and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup.
• Clean eye discharge gently with clean water or saline.
• Keep children with infective conjunctivitis away from school until discharge has resolved, per local facility guidance.