What is the cause of keratoconjunctivitis?
Keratoconjunctivitis is a group of inflammatory eye conditions involving the cornea and the conjunctiva. Allergies, viruses, and bacteria are among the causes. Some types are associated with congenital or autoimmune disorders.
What is viral keratoconjunctivitis?
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a viral conjunctivitis caused by a group of adenoviruses. This family of adenoviruses contains different serotypes that can also cause pharyngoconjunctival fever and nonspecific follicular conjunctivitis. EKC is highly contagious and has a tendency to occur in epidemics.
What is the treatment for viral conjunctivitis?
There is no single treatment modality for viral conjunctivitis. Symptom relief with artificial tears, cold-compresses, and antihistamines can be effective. Antibiotic drops can potentially increase bacterial resistance and membranes or pseudomembrane require removal to reduce discomfort and scarring.
How did I get viral conjunctivitis?
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Most viruses that cause conjunctivitis spread through hand-to-eye contact by hands or objects that are contaminated with the infectious virus. Having contact with infectious tears, eye discharge, fecal matter, or respiratory discharges can contaminate hands.
Is viral conjunctivitis serious?
Like all types of pink eye, viral conjunctivitis is common but not usually serious. Viral conjunctivitis typically begins in one eye and then spreads to the other. The main symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include: Pinkness or, often, intense redness of the eye.
How long do corneal infiltrates take to heal?
Slit lamp exam may also reveal mild quadrant-specific conjunctival hyperemia, little or no chemosis, trace or mild ocular irritation and normal vision. These infiltrates are self-limiting and usually disappear within one to two weeks. Clinicians should always be on the lookout for masqueraders as well.
