Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye), causing redness— hence its common name “red eye”— discomfort, and discharge. One or both eyes may be affected.
There are two common types of conjunctivitis: infective, caused by bacteria or viruses; and allergic, which is an allergic response to substances such as pollen or cosmetics.
Newborn babies sometimes develop conjunctivitis as a result of catching an infection from the mother’s vagina during birth. Infective conjunctivitis is contagious and can be spread by hand-to-eye contact.
Both types of conjunctivitis produce similar symptoms, but in infective conjunctivitis, the discharge contains pus and may cause the eyelids to stick together. In allergic conjunctivitis, the discharge is clear and the eyelids are often swollen.
Usually, infective conjunctivitis clears up without treatment within about 2 weeks, although if it is severe or persistent, anti-infective medication may be prescribed. Allergic conjunctivitis may be treated with medication to relieve symptoms