Viral conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye (conjunctiva). The inflammation is caused by a virus. The inflammation can also happen on the underside of your eyelids. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, causing the eye to become red or pink, and often itchy. Viral conjunctivitis can be easily passed from one person to another (contagious).
CAUSES
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus. A virus is a type of germ and can spread from one person to another. It can also be spread by touching objects that have been contaminated with the virus, such as doorknobs or towels.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis may include:
• Eye redness.
• Tearing …show more content…
• Burning feeling in the eyes.
• Clear drainage from the eye.
• Swollen eyelids.
DIAGNOSIS
Viral conjunctivitis may be diagnosed by medical history and physical exam. If you have discharge, this may be tested to rule out other causes of conjunctivitis.
TREATMENT
Viral conjunctivitis does not respond to medicines that kill germs (antibiotics). Treatment for viral conjunctivitis is aimed at stopping a bacterial infection from developing in addition to the viral infection. Treatment also aims to relieve your symptoms,such as itching. This may be done with with antihistamine drops or other eye medicines.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Apply medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Apply a cool , clean washcloth to your eye for 10–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
• If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them until the inflammation is gone. Ask your health care provider how to sterilize or replace your contact lenses before using them again. Wear glasses in the meantime.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup until the inflammation is gone. Throw away any old eye cosmetics that may be contaminated.
• Change or wash your pillowcase every
CAUSES
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus. A virus is a type of germ and can spread from one person to another. It can also be spread by touching objects that have been contaminated with the virus, such as doorknobs or towels.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis may include:
• Eye redness.
• Tearing …show more content…
• Burning feeling in the eyes.
• Clear drainage from the eye.
• Swollen eyelids.
DIAGNOSIS
Viral conjunctivitis may be diagnosed by medical history and physical exam. If you have discharge, this may be tested to rule out other causes of conjunctivitis.
TREATMENT
Viral conjunctivitis does not respond to medicines that kill germs (antibiotics). Treatment for viral conjunctivitis is aimed at stopping a bacterial infection from developing in addition to the viral infection. Treatment also aims to relieve your symptoms,such as itching. This may be done with with antihistamine drops or other eye medicines.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Apply medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Apply a cool , clean washcloth to your eye for 10–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
• If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them until the inflammation is gone. Ask your health care provider how to sterilize or replace your contact lenses before using them again. Wear glasses in the meantime.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup until the inflammation is gone. Throw away any old eye cosmetics that may be contaminated.
• Change or wash your pillowcase every