How to Identify Viral Conjunctivitis and Treat the Symptoms

Viral conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that affects both children and adults alike. There are many different forms of conjunctivitis including viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis which is caused by irritants such as shampoo, chlorine, various allergies, etc. The most common symptoms include eye irritation, red and itchy eyes, mucus in the eye, etc.

Viral conjunctivitis is very common both in the United States and elsewhere. Transmission usually occurs between families, within schools, at the office, malls and other public places. It affects both men and women equally and can affect all age groups. The adenovirus primarily affects people between the ages 20 and 40 years old.

Instructions

1. Know the causes of viral conjunctivitis. Viruses commonly cause conjunctivitis in people of all ages. Their many different viruses that can be the cause of viral conjunctivitis and the most common culprits include:

   - Adenovirus
   - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
   - Picornavirus
   - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
   - Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
   - Poxvirus
   - Influenza Virus
   - Paramyxovirus
   - Rubella

   Some rare culprits of viral conjunctivitis include the Epstein-Barr virus, measles, mumps, and rubella. The most common form includes adenoviral conjunctivitis and the most problematic form is caused by ocular HSV. A couple of subtypes include pink eye (keratoconjunctivitis) and pharyngoconjunctival fever.

   Herpes simplex infection in the eye is most common in children. VSV can affect the eye during chickenpox or during the secondary infection which is called zoster.

2. Know the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis which include:

   - Eye discharge (mucous)
   - Red and itchy eyes
   - Watery eyes
   - Upper respiratory problems that resemble the common cold
   - Sore throat

3. Know the treatments of viral conjunctivitis. There are a variety of different medications used to treat viral conjunctivitis including:

   - Artificial tears
   - Vasoconstrictor/antihistamine helps to treat itchiness
   - Topical steroids treat pseudomembranes and subepithelial infiltrates
   - Topical antibiotics prevent bacterial infections
   - Topical antiviral agents treat HSV viral conjunctivitis
   - Oral acyclovir
   - Cool compresses

Tips & Warnings

• If you have viral conjunctivitis, you must speak to your doctor about the best treatment for your condition. Since everyone's symptoms will vary, you'll need to talk with a physician about how to treat your symptoms appropriately.