Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye)
Conjunctivitis is the term given to inflammation of the conjunctiva – the mucous membrane covering the white of the eyes and the inner side of the eyelids.
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition, which is usually not serious, but can be uncomfortable and irritating.
Conjunctivitis commonly affects both eyes at the same time – although it may start in one eye and spread to the other after a day or two. It can be asymmetrical, affecting one eye more than the other.
Conjunctivitis symptoms
Conjunctivitis leads to:
- Eye irritation and redness
- Excessive tears in the eyes
- A discharge with pus
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Photophobia (you can’t tolerate looking into sunlight).
There are five different kinds of conjunctivitis:
Bacterial conjunctivitis;
Viral conjunctivitis;
Chlamydial conjunctivitis;
Allergic conjunctivitis.
