## Overview Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. It produces redness, swelling, and discharge. Causes include infection, allergens, foreign material, and underlying uveitis or corneal disease. ## Causes Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; environmental irritants; parasites; or secondary to uveitis or corneal ulceration. ## Diagnosis Ophthalmic examination including fluorescein staining to rule out corneal ulcer. Cytology or culture when infection is suspected. ## Treatment Depends on cause: topical antibiotics for bacterial infection, anti-inflammatories when appropriate, and removal of irritants. Underlying uveitis or ulcer must be treated specifically. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated cases. Untreated or misdiagnosed conjunctivitis can progress to more serious ocular disease. ## Prevention Fly control, dust reduction, and prompt attention to any eye discharge.
redness of the conjunctiva; ocular discharge; squinting; swelling of the eyelids; rubbing the eye
## Overview Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. It produces redness, swelling, and discharge. Causes include infection, allergens, foreign material, and underlying uveitis or corneal disease. ## Causes Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; environmental irritants; parasites; or secondary to uveitis or corneal ulceration. ## Diagnosis Ophthalmic examination including fluorescein staining to rule out corneal ulcer. Cytology or culture when infection is suspected. ## Treatment Depends on cause: topical antibiotics for bacterial infection, anti-inflammatories when appropriate, and removal of irritants. Underlying uveitis or ulcer must be treated specifically. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated cases. Untreated or misdiagnosed conjunctivitis can progress to more serious ocular disease. ## Prevention Fly control, dust reduction, and prompt attention to any eye discharge.
redness of the conjunctiva; ocular discharge; squinting; swelling of the eyelids; rubbing the eye