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Conjunctivitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Inflammation - conjunctiva; Pink eye

Treatment:

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause.

Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to treatment for underlying allergies, or it may disappear on its own when the allergen that caused it is removed. Cool compresses may be soothing for allergic conjunctivitis.

Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. The discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can be soothed by applying warm compresses (a clean cloth soaked in warm water) to closed eyes.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is usually good with treatment.

Complications:

Reinfection within a household or school may occur if preventive measures are not followed.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms persist longer than 3 or 4 days.

• Review Date: 11/14/2005
• Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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