Overview of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that is sometimes accompanied by corneal inflammation (keratoconjunctivitis). The etiology of conjunctivitis can be infectious or noninfectious (e.g., allergic conjunctivitis). Common clinical findings include itching, burning, and ocular discharge; the clinical presentation sometimes suggests the underlying etiology (e.g., infections may manifest with purulent discharge, while keratoconjunctivitis sicca is characterized by dry eye). Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of ocular hyperemia but differential diagnoses include keratitis, acute glaucoma, and subconjunctival hemorrhages. Treatment depends upon the underlying cause; viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limited and requires only supportive therapy for conjunctivitis, whereas most types of bacterial conjunctivitis require antibiotics. Treatment of noninfectious conjunctivitis may include behavior changes (e.g., reducing contact lens use), topical treatment, or systemic treatments. If symptoms are severe or recurrent, or complex etiologies are suspected (e.g., autoimmune conditions), patients should be referred to an ophthalmologist early for specialized management. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary.

For more comprehensive information on the diagnosis and management of conjunctivitis subtypes, see “Bacterial conjunctivitis,” “Viral conjunctivitis,” and “Noninfectious conjunctivitis.” For management in newborns, see “Neonatal conjunctivitis.”

• Typically nonspecific presentation; common clinical features include: ^[3]
  • Burning or foreign body sensation
  • Itching (most intense in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis)
  • Conjunctival injection: conjunctival hyperemia with dilatation of blood vessels → ocular hyperemia and red eye
  • Chemosis: edema of the conjunctiva due to conjunctival vein vasodilatation and increased blood flow
  • Discharge and crust formation
  • Photophobia
• Additional features may be present depending on etiology, including:
  • Conjunctival follicle: seen in viral or chlamydial conjunctivitis
    • A small, raised lymphoid follicle with a yellowish-white appearance due to hyperplastic tissue
    • Vascularization is usually peripheral.
    • Located in the palpebral or bulbar conjunctiva
  • Preauricular lymphadenopathy: seen in viral or gonococcal conjunctivitis
  • Concomitant corneal inflammation (keratoconjunctivitis): seen in viral and nonallergic conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red eye and is usually a clinical diagnosis. ^[2]

• Moderate to severe eye pain
• Photophobia, blurriness, or vision loss
• Conjunctival scarring
• Grossly visible corneal changes (e.g., corneal ulcer)
• Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis
• Vesicular rash
• History
  • Contact lens use
  • Immunodeficiency
  • History of herpes simplex conjunctivitis
  • Recurrent conjunctivitis

Red flags in conjunctivitis indicate severe etiologies that require specialized management.

Conjunctivitis is usually a clinical diagnosis. Consider diagnostic studies if there is diagnostic uncertainty or suspicion for a serious infection. ^[1][2][3]

• Obtain a full medical history including comorbidities, medications, and history of eye conditions.
• Perform eye examination, including: ^[1]
  • Visual acuity
  • Slit-lamp examination
• Routine studies: conjunctival swabs for infectious etiologies (e.g., smear, culture, PCR) ^[1][2][3]
• Additional studies to consider: ^[1][2][3]
  • Tear osmolarity and Schirmer test: to evaluate for dry eye syndrome
  • Tear IgE and conjunctival allergen challenge: to evaluate for allergic conjunctivitis
  • Autoantibody testing: for diagnosing autoimmune conditions
  • Conjunctival biopsy (rarely necessary): for diagnosing ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

General principles

• Provide supportive therapy to all patients.
• Start specific treatment if needed based on the suspected cause; see:
  • “Bacterial conjunctivitis”
  • “Viral conjunctivitis”
  • “Noninfectious conjunctivitis”
• Refer to ophthalmology if there are:
  • Red flags in conjunctivitis
  • Concerns for differential diagnoses of conjunctivitis
  • Persistent or recurrent symptoms

Conjunctivitis is usually a self-limited condition and complications (e.g., vision loss, permanent eye damage) are rare. Most patients only require supportive therapy. ^[1]

Patient education is vital to prevent conjunctivitis outbreaks.

Supportive therapy for conjunctivitis ^[1][2][3]

• Apply refrigerated artificial tears as often as needed.
• Eyelid hygiene e.g.,
  • Saline irrigation
  • Remove eyelid discharge frequently
  • Avoiding touching the affected eye
  • Wash hands before and after cleaning the eye/applying eye drops
• Compresses (can be warm or cold)
• Advise patients to stop using contact lenses for ≥ 2 weeks. ^[6]
• Educate patients on the prevention of conjunctivitis.

• Emergency causes of red eye: These conditions require immediate referral to ophthalmology for management. ^[1][2][3]
  • Preseptal cellulitis or orbital cellulitis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Traumatic eye injuries
  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma
  • Keratitis
  • Anterior uveitis
  • Scleritis
  • Corneal ulcer
• Others ^[1][2][3]
  • Malignancy (e.g., melanoma) ^[1]
  • Episcleritis
  • Blepharitis
  • Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• See also “Noninfectious conjunctival conditions.”

The differential diagnoses listed here are not exhaustive.

Prevention of infectious conjunctivitis ^[1]

• Educate patients on general preventive measures.
  • Avoid touching the eyes.
  • For contact lens users, ensure patients maintain contact lens hygiene. ^[7]
  • Encourage routine vaccinations (see “Immunization schedule”).
    • Chickenpox immunization and shingles vaccination: for VZV conjunctivitis prevention
    • Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine: for measles conjunctivitis prevention
• To prevent onward transmission, advise patients with active infections to:
  • Isolate at home if possible. ^[1]
  • Disinfect hands and surfaces frequently.
  • Avoid sharing items (e.g., towels, cosmetics).
  • Remove contact lenses, discard disposable lenses, and avoid wearing lenses again for ≥ 2 weeks. ^[6]

Prevention of noninfectious conjunctivitis ^[1]

• Wear protective eyewear.
• Avoid triggers, e.g., allergens.
• Maintain contact lens hygiene.
• Consider allergen-specific immunotherapy. ^[1]