Infective conjunctivitis is an infection of the delicate membrane that covers the eyeball and stretches to the inside of the eyelids. Infective conjunctivitis can cause sticky, red and watery eyes. Most cases soon clear.
Professor Harminder Dua, consultant in ophthalmology at University Hospital, Nottingham, tells us what he would want to know about infective conjunctivitis.
What's the difference between infective and allergic conjunctivitis?
Infective conjunctivitis is caused by viruses or bacteria. Infective conjunctivitis is often spread from one person to another by direct contact, such as with fingers, tissues or towels contaminated with discharge from the eyes. A sticky discharge, which may be white, yellow or greenish in colour, is often a symptom of infective conjunctivitis. Eyes with infective conjunctivitis tend not to itch as much as those with allergic conjunctivitis, but the symptoms are similar.
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused when the immune system has an abnormal response to common allergens such as pollens, dust and animal hair. Itching is the main symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, together with burning and smarting (blinking) of the eyes. Watering eyes and sensitivity to light are also common features. The discharge is clear and watery or mucoid (stringy).
Will conjunctivitis affect my vision?
Conjunctivitis generally doesn't affect eyesight, and most people make a complete recovery. You may experience temporary obscured or blurred vision in some instances, but this will pass.
Infective conjunctivitis can spread to the cornea (the clear window of the eye) and sight can be affected, although this isn’t common.
Are there any long-term effects?
Most cases of conjunctivitis recover completely without any long-term effects.
My child has infective conjunctivitis. Should I keep them off school?
If your child has infective conjunctivitis and they feel unwell, they should stay away from school.
Any sign of conjunctivitis in a newborn child should be taken very seriously, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
I have conjunctivitis in one eye. Will I get it in the other eye?
Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, although one eye may be worse than the other. Occasionally, infective conjunctivitis can affect only one eye. In this case, take extreme care to avoid touching the eye area because fingers, towels or tissues can spread the infection to the other eye.
Is there anything I can do to relieve the itching?
A cold compress applied to the closed eyelids can provide relief from itching and sore eyes.
Avoid rubbing your eyes no matter how strong the urge, because this can damage the clear surface of the eye.
Can it be treated?
Infective conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own and doesn't need antibiotic treatment. However, antibiotic drops are often prescribed by GPs to prevent any secondary bacterial infection.
Infective conjunctivitis with discharge, especially in children, is more likely to require antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
It's difficult for me to open my eyes in the morning. How can I ease this?
A common cause for the eyelids being stuck together in the morning is the large amount of discharge that dries on the lids during the night. You can gently wipe it away with a ball of cotton wool soaked in warm water.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?
Contact lenses of any type should be avoided until your conjunctivitis has completely settled.
