Viral Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white of the eye and the eyelid, is a common side effect of several viral infections. The most common viruses that cause this inflammation are adenoviruses or enteroviruses. Viral conjunctivitis can also be associated with the flu virus and the common cold.

Adenoviruses occur most frequently in children. These viruses infect the membranes of the respiratory tract, the eyes, the intestines and the urinary tract. When the eye membranes or tissue linings are infected, viral conjunctivitis is a likely outcome. Older children often pick up this type of virus in pools and lakes during the summer season. Viral conjunctivitis caused by adenoviruses is also spread by sharing linens or by touch.

Viral conjunctivitis is usually a mild condition that produces red eyes, discharge, tearing and a feeling that there's something in the eye. While it is extremely contagious, viral conjunctivitis does not endanger vision.

More severe infections of the conjunctiva include pharyngoconjuctival fever, which occurs when the virus attacks both the respiratory tract and the eye membranes, and keratoconjunctivitis, which affects both the cornea and the conjunctiva. The herpes simplex virus can also cause a less common but more serious type of viral conjunctivitis.

For more information on viral conjunctivitis, please contact us by choosing a LASIK Surgeon below in your area.