View a Video Animation about Conjunctivitis

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the front of the eye and the back of the eyelids). Symptoms include a foreign body sensation, a scratching or burning sensation, a sensation of fullness around the eyes, itching, and photophobia (sensitivity to light).

What are the guidelines for dealing with conjunctivitis?

The infection is very contagious for up to two weeks following the onset of the red eye, the infection is spread by finger contact such as touching the affected eye and then touching the other eye, or by allowing other people to use your personal items such as pillows, wash cloths, towels, make-up articles, etc.

SYMPTOMS MAY GET WORSE OVER THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF TREATMENT.

General precautions that should be taken:

1. Always wash hands after touching the eye. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
2. Do not share face cloths, pillows, towels, eating utensils, and make-up items.
3. Clean all of the above personal items daily with soap and water.