Several products can lessen the effects of viral conjunctivitis; vasoconstrictors will reduce redness, decongestants will reduce superficial swelling, and antihistamines will reduce itchiness. The way your eye looks and feels will help you determine which form of pink eye you’ve contracted. Typically, the picornaviruses affect children and young adults in the lower socioeconomic classes. viruses. The conjunctiva is a thin tissue that covers the front of your eye and the back of your eyelids. Picornaviruses cause an acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) that is clinically similar to adenoviral conjunctivitis but is more severe and hemorrhagic. A highly contagious form of pink eye caused by airborne viruses that are easily spread via sneezing and coughing. Azari AA, Barney NP. Ishiko H, Shimada Y, Konno T, Hayashi A, Ohguchi T, Tagawa Y, et al. Apply a compress to your eyes. Rapid Tests Diagnose Dry Eye, Adenovirus Conjunctivitis. The infection usually resolves spontaneously within 2-4 weeks. Infection occurs through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands. There is clinical evidence that topical ganciclovir is effective against at least Adenovirus serotype 8, thus compelling many clinicians to prescribe this agent off-label for compelling cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), particularly when corneal lesions are noted. Patients with conjunctivitis who wear contact lenses should be instructed to discontinue lens wear until signs and symptoms have resolved. [Povidone-iodine for treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis: an in vitro study]. Viruses are a common cause of conjunctivitis in patients of all ages. Viral infection is characterized commonly by an acute follicular conjunctival reaction and preauricular adenopathy. Signs and symptoms of viral conjunctivitis may include the following: See Clinical Presentation for more details. Primary ocular herpes simplex infection is common in children and usually is associated with a follicular conjunctivitis. In general, the stromal or subepithelial abnormalities are transient and resolve despite persistence of epithelial keratitis. /viewarticle/941448
Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis. Symptoms include irritation and redness, light sensitivity, foreign body sensation, and a watery discharge. [Medline]. bacteria. Infection can be caused by direct contact with VZV or zoster skin lesions or by inhalation of infectious respiratory secretions. It makes the eye appear pink or reddish. Conjunctivitis symptoms. Proper isolation from the workplace or school is advisable and essential to prevent epidemics. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. Molluscum contagiosum may produce a chronic follicular conjunctivitis that occurs secondary to shedding of viral particles into the conjunctival sac from an irritative eyelid lesion. This type of pink eye is very contagious and often spreads through schools and other crowded places. Other names for viral conjunctivitis. HSV and primary VZV infection usually affect young children and infants. from the group of viruses that cause the common cold. Pink eye will cause the eyes to be watery, itchy and irritated. Rapid identification of the coxsackievirus A24 variant by molecular serotyping in an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Info on Cataract Surgery, Benefits & Procedure of Refractive Lens Exchange, Laser Eye Surgery Information, Recovery & Safety, What You Need to Know About Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome, What is Glaucoma? Patients with conjunctivitis caused by HSV usually are treated with topical antiviral agents, including ganciclovir (Zirgan, Bausch & Lomb, Bridgewater, NJ), idoxuridine solution and ointment, vidarabine ointment, and trifluridine solution (Viroptic, Alcon, Fort Worth, TX). In these patients, symptoms included foreign body sensation, blurred vision, and photophobia; most cases resolved without antimicrobial therapy. Wilkins MR, Khan S, Bunce C, et al. There may also be small bumps on the inside of the lids, called follicles. A rapid point-of-service immunoassay is now readily available to guide the clinician’s recommendations upon initial presentation (Adenoplus, RPS, Sarasota, FL). Bacterial conjunctivitis. Recurrent infection, typically seen in adults, is often associated with superficial epithelial or deep stromal corneal involvement. VZV can affect the conjunctiva during primary infection (chickenpox) or secondary infection (zoster). Long-term ocular sequelae are uncommon but may be severe and even debilitating in rare highly susceptible individuals. American Academy of Ophthalmology. If a cat is exposed to dusts, powders, sprays, or vapours from a number of sources, the eyes may be irritated, resulting in conjunctivitis. Infection usually is caused by HSV type I, although HSV type II may be a cause, especially in neonates. 27(5):527-30. Viral conjunctivitis can affect all age groups, depending on the specific viral etiology. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of your conjunctiva. Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug ReferenceDisclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. Viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious type of pink eye caused by a virus, such as an adenovirus or the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Christopher J Rapuano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Ophthalmological Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, International Society of Refractive SurgeryDisclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: AAO; OMIC; Bio-Tissue; Dompe; Glaukos; Novartis; Sun Ophthalmics; TearLab
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Glaukos; Dompe; Bio-Tissue; Novartis
Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AAO; OMIC; Bio-Tissue; Dompe; Glaukos; Novartis; Sun Ophthalmics; TearLab. Since viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics and antibiotic drops/ointments will not treat the condition. Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 19, Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery: An Update on Recent Advances, Pilocarpine Promising as Presbyopia Treatment, Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome, Scleritis Linked to Corneal Complications, Outdoor Intraocular Pressure Screening Clinic Boosts Patient Management During Pandemic. Viral conjunctivitis, or pinkeye (see the image below), is a common, self-limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus. Other viruses that can be responsible for conjunctival infection include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), picornavirus (enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24), poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 2008 Sep. 336(3):254-64. Read About Glaucoma Symptoms and Treatment, iStent Procedure for Glaucoma and Cataracts, Eye Exams and Eye Care Tips from EyeCare 20/20, List of Eye Diseases, Symptoms & Treatment Options. Complications include the following: punctate keratitis with subepithelial infiltrates, bacterial superinfection, conjunctival scarring and symblepharon, severe dry eye, irregular astigmatism, corneal ulceration with persistent keratoconjunctivitis, corneal scarring, and chronic infection. Adenoplus detects all known serotypes of adenoviral conjunctivitis. The herpes virus can also cause viral pink eye. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. Andrew A Dahl, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Intraocular Lens Society, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Medical Society of the State of New York, New York State Ophthalmological Society, Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery SocietyDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. Transmission may occur through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands or by contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites, or contaminated swimming pools. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge. 2013 Jan 1. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. Designed and Developed by Marketing Zen, Video Testimonials from Patients, Doctors and Nurses, What are Cataracts? Viral … [Medline]. Medscape Medical News. [Medline]. Viral conjunctivitis. [Medline]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. March 22, 2020; Accessed: March 23, 2020. Viral conjunctivitis is usually present in only one eye (before, sometimes, spreading to the other), which will be excessively watery and sensitive to light. In response to the COVID-19 situation, EyeCare 20/20 is following, Dr. Silverman and the EyeCare 20/20 team are one of the few ophthalmologists in the nation offering state-of-the-art, 46 Eagle Rock Avenue East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, Copyright 2019 EyeCare2020.com | All Rights Reserved. Viral pink eye should go away within a week or two without treatment. Caused by highly contagious but common airborne viruses. ), Emergent Treatment of Acute Conjunctivitis. For conjunctivitis associated with molluscum contagiosum, disease will persist until the skin lesion is treated. 4. Br J Ophthalmol. Jerre Freeman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Tennessee Medical AssociationDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. Available at https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/926365. [Medline]. Subepithelial infiltrates may last for several months, and, if in the visual axis, they may cause decreased vision or glare. To help you cope with the signs and symptoms of pink eye until it goes away, try to: 1. An estimated 6 million new cases of viral conjunctivitis occur annually in the United States. 310 (16):1721-9. Park SW, Lee CS, Jang HC, et al. /viewarticle/944090 Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties. You can catch viral conjunctivitis through touch, coughing or sneezing. 46(6):2002-8. 2008 Jun. Swelling of the eyelids. 2009 Feb. 87(1):44-7. Viral conjunctivitis, or pinkeye (see the image below), is a common, self-limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus. contact lens wear. Other causes include. Usher P, Keefe J, Crock C, Chan E. Appropriate prescribing for viral conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Viral conjunctivitis accounts for almost 700,000 yearly visits to the emergency department 1 and 92% of those can be attributed to adenovirus, termed Adenoviral Conjunctivitis (Ad-Cs) 2.Patients may experience ocular irritation, photophobia, blurred vision, eyelid swelling, and conjunctival edema. Several viruses and bacteria can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), some of which are very contagious. If the conjunctivitis persists or is severe, disturbances in the anterior stroma beneath the epithelial abnormalities may occur. Those who wear contact lenses should be instructed to discontinue lens wear until signs and symptoms have resolved. Viral Conjunctivitis A highly contagious form of pink eye caused by airborne viruses that are easily spread via sneezing and coughing. Rarely, these changes are sufficiently distinctive morphologically to allow identification of a specific type of virus as the etiologic agent. The most common infectious causes ar Symptoms of viral pink eye include: Redness in the white of the eye. Viral pink eye. Microsporidia has been isolated from the cornea and conjunctiva of several patients with AIDS and keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. Alert: Important coronavirus updates for ophthalmologists. Ocular abnormalities in patients with AIDS primarily affect the posterior segment, but anterior segment findings have been reported. Chemical conjunctivitis Careful flushing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. The most common causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) are. For other types of inflammation, steroid eye drops may be used to reduce the swelling.” Optimum hygiene is also crucial to stop viral or bacterial pink … When conjunctivitis occurs in a patient with AIDS, it tends to follow a more severe and prolonged course than in patients without AIDS. Rarely, conjunctivitis is seen during systemic infection with influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, paramyxovirus (measles, mumps, Newcastle), or rubella. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 2006 May. Transmission may occur through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands or by direct eye contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites, or contaminated swimming pools. Approximately 1 in 4 patients with acute conjunctivitis have confirmed adenoviral conjunctivitis. [Medline]. The affected eye may have increased tears or be "stuck shut" in the morning. Allergies, viruses, and bacteria can cause pinkeye, which is also called conjunctivitis. [Medline]. Treating your pink eye. Preventing transmission of viral conjunctivitis is important. Pink eye can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it may be caused by an allergic reaction. J Clin Microbiol. However, since the virus is self-limited, it will usually go away on its own, typically improving after the fifth day. Particular subtypes of adenoviral conjunctivitis include epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC; pink eye) and pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF). Crusting on eyelids can occur. Symptoms may start in one eye and rapidly spread to the other eye. foreign bodies in the eye (like a loose eyelash) indoor and outdoor air pollution caused, for example, by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors. Generally, a cool water compress will feel the most soothing, but you can also use a warm compress if that feels better to you. Bacterial pink eye usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or allergic pink eye. To allay patient anxiety, it is helpful to inform patients that their symptoms may worsen during the first 4-7 days after onset before they begin to improve and may not resolve for 2-4 weeks. Infected patients should be advised to stay home from school and work. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 80% of all cases; the majority of cases are caused by adenovirus.. Available at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/777710. http://www.medscape.com/resource/cornea-external-disease, encoded search term (Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)) and Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). 2014 Nov. 43 (11):748-9. 43(3):1069-71. 2001 2013 Oct 23. Infection is highly contagious and occurs in epidemics. January 15, 2013. 2015 Sep. 99 (9):1186-9. In children, the condition is often grouped into either newborn conjunctivitis or childhood conjunctivitis. People of all ages can contract conjunctivitis, but children get pink eye more often than adults because they are prone to colds and respiratory tract infections, which can be a cause of viral conjunctivitis, and they are often in close environments like classrooms. Giemsa staining of conjunctival scrapings may aid in characterizing the inflammatory response. Novel human adenovirus causing nosocomial epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, usually for 10-12 days from onset as long as the eyes are red, in addition to a prodromal period of 3-7 days. Ingrid U Scott, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Retina Specialists, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Macula Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Retina SocietyDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. [Medline]. Probably the most common infection seen in the eye doctor’s office is a viral infection of the conjunctiva. 2011 Sep. 95(9):1299-303. a infection of the eye's conjunctiva usually caused by a bacteria or virus Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is most often caused by adenovirus. READ MORE about pink eye causes. Unlike with bacterial infections, antibiotics will not work against viruses. Allergies 2008 Jun. 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Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Glaukos; Dompe; Bio-Tissue; Novartis
Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AAO; OMIC; Bio-Tissue; Dompe; Glaukos; Novartis; Sun Ophthalmics; TearLab. Since viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics and antibiotic drops/ointments will not treat the condition. Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 19, Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery: An Update on Recent Advances, Pilocarpine Promising as Presbyopia Treatment, Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome, Scleritis Linked to Corneal Complications, Outdoor Intraocular Pressure Screening Clinic Boosts Patient Management During Pandemic. Viral conjunctivitis, or pinkeye (see the image below), is a common, self-limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus. Other viruses that can be responsible for conjunctival infection include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), picornavirus (enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24), poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 2008 Sep. 336(3):254-64. Read About Glaucoma Symptoms and Treatment, iStent Procedure for Glaucoma and Cataracts, Eye Exams and Eye Care Tips from EyeCare 20/20, List of Eye Diseases, Symptoms & Treatment Options. Complications include the following: punctate keratitis with subepithelial infiltrates, bacterial superinfection, conjunctival scarring and symblepharon, severe dry eye, irregular astigmatism, corneal ulceration with persistent keratoconjunctivitis, corneal scarring, and chronic infection. Adenoplus detects all known serotypes of adenoviral conjunctivitis. The herpes virus can also cause viral pink eye. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. Andrew A Dahl, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Intraocular Lens Society, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Medical Society of the State of New York, New York State Ophthalmological Society, Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery SocietyDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. Transmission may occur through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands or by contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites, or contaminated swimming pools. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge. 2013 Jan 1. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. Designed and Developed by Marketing Zen, Video Testimonials from Patients, Doctors and Nurses, What are Cataracts? Viral … [Medline]. Medscape Medical News. [Medline]. Viral conjunctivitis. [Medline]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. March 22, 2020; Accessed: March 23, 2020. Viral conjunctivitis is usually present in only one eye (before, sometimes, spreading to the other), which will be excessively watery and sensitive to light. In response to the COVID-19 situation, EyeCare 20/20 is following, Dr. Silverman and the EyeCare 20/20 team are one of the few ophthalmologists in the nation offering state-of-the-art, 46 Eagle Rock Avenue East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, Copyright 2019 EyeCare2020.com | All Rights Reserved. Viral pink eye should go away within a week or two without treatment. Caused by highly contagious but common airborne viruses. ), Emergent Treatment of Acute Conjunctivitis. For conjunctivitis associated with molluscum contagiosum, disease will persist until the skin lesion is treated. 4. Br J Ophthalmol. Jerre Freeman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Tennessee Medical AssociationDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. Available at https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/926365. [Medline]. Subepithelial infiltrates may last for several months, and, if in the visual axis, they may cause decreased vision or glare. To help you cope with the signs and symptoms of pink eye until it goes away, try to: 1. An estimated 6 million new cases of viral conjunctivitis occur annually in the United States. 310 (16):1721-9. Park SW, Lee CS, Jang HC, et al. /viewarticle/944090 Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties. You can catch viral conjunctivitis through touch, coughing or sneezing. 46(6):2002-8. 2008 Jun. Swelling of the eyelids. 2009 Feb. 87(1):44-7. Viral conjunctivitis, or pinkeye (see the image below), is a common, self-limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus. contact lens wear. Other causes include. Usher P, Keefe J, Crock C, Chan E. Appropriate prescribing for viral conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Viral conjunctivitis accounts for almost 700,000 yearly visits to the emergency department 1 and 92% of those can be attributed to adenovirus, termed Adenoviral Conjunctivitis (Ad-Cs) 2.Patients may experience ocular irritation, photophobia, blurred vision, eyelid swelling, and conjunctival edema. Several viruses and bacteria can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), some of which are very contagious. If the conjunctivitis persists or is severe, disturbances in the anterior stroma beneath the epithelial abnormalities may occur. Those who wear contact lenses should be instructed to discontinue lens wear until signs and symptoms have resolved. Viral Conjunctivitis A highly contagious form of pink eye caused by airborne viruses that are easily spread via sneezing and coughing. Rarely, these changes are sufficiently distinctive morphologically to allow identification of a specific type of virus as the etiologic agent. The most common infectious causes ar Symptoms of viral pink eye include: Redness in the white of the eye. Viral pink eye. Microsporidia has been isolated from the cornea and conjunctiva of several patients with AIDS and keratoconjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. Alert: Important coronavirus updates for ophthalmologists. Ocular abnormalities in patients with AIDS primarily affect the posterior segment, but anterior segment findings have been reported. Chemical conjunctivitis Careful flushing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. The most common causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) are. For other types of inflammation, steroid eye drops may be used to reduce the swelling.” Optimum hygiene is also crucial to stop viral or bacterial pink … When conjunctivitis occurs in a patient with AIDS, it tends to follow a more severe and prolonged course than in patients without AIDS. Rarely, conjunctivitis is seen during systemic infection with influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, paramyxovirus (measles, mumps, Newcastle), or rubella. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 2006 May. Transmission may occur through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands or by direct eye contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites, or contaminated swimming pools. Approximately 1 in 4 patients with acute conjunctivitis have confirmed adenoviral conjunctivitis. [Medline]. The affected eye may have increased tears or be "stuck shut" in the morning. Allergies, viruses, and bacteria can cause pinkeye, which is also called conjunctivitis. [Medline]. Treating your pink eye. Preventing transmission of viral conjunctivitis is important. Pink eye can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it may be caused by an allergic reaction. J Clin Microbiol. However, since the virus is self-limited, it will usually go away on its own, typically improving after the fifth day. Particular subtypes of adenoviral conjunctivitis include epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC; pink eye) and pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF). Crusting on eyelids can occur. Symptoms may start in one eye and rapidly spread to the other eye. foreign bodies in the eye (like a loose eyelash) indoor and outdoor air pollution caused, for example, by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors. Generally, a cool water compress will feel the most soothing, but you can also use a warm compress if that feels better to you. Bacterial pink eye usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or allergic pink eye. To allay patient anxiety, it is helpful to inform patients that their symptoms may worsen during the first 4-7 days after onset before they begin to improve and may not resolve for 2-4 weeks. Infected patients should be advised to stay home from school and work. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 80% of all cases; the majority of cases are caused by adenovirus.. Available at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/777710. http://www.medscape.com/resource/cornea-external-disease, encoded search term (Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)) and Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). 2014 Nov. 43 (11):748-9. 43(3):1069-71. 2001 2013 Oct 23. Infection is highly contagious and occurs in epidemics. January 15, 2013. 2015 Sep. 99 (9):1186-9. In children, the condition is often grouped into either newborn conjunctivitis or childhood conjunctivitis. People of all ages can contract conjunctivitis, but children get pink eye more often than adults because they are prone to colds and respiratory tract infections, which can be a cause of viral conjunctivitis, and they are often in close environments like classrooms. Giemsa staining of conjunctival scrapings may aid in characterizing the inflammatory response. Novel human adenovirus causing nosocomial epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, usually for 10-12 days from onset as long as the eyes are red, in addition to a prodromal period of 3-7 days. Ingrid U Scott, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Retina Specialists, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Macula Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Retina SocietyDisclosure: Nothing to disclose. [Medline]. Probably the most common infection seen in the eye doctor’s office is a viral infection of the conjunctiva. 2011 Sep. 95(9):1299-303. a infection of the eye's conjunctiva usually caused by a bacteria or virus Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is most often caused by adenovirus. READ MORE about pink eye causes. Unlike with bacterial infections, antibiotics will not work against viruses. Allergies 2008 Jun. 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