Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear vascular covering of the sclera and the eyelids. Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by either bacterial or viral infection; however, viral conjunctivitis often is associated with a systemic illness. Viral conjunctivitis can be caused by several different viruses, and for many of these infections, treatment is mostly supportive because there are no medications available to treat them.
Adenovirus
Adenoviruses 8 and 19 can cause a highly contagious form of viral conjunctivitis called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Flu-like symptoms accompany this type of conjunctivitis, according to the University of Indiana School of Optometry website. In this condition, the conjunctiva becomes very red and swollen; the cornea also can become involved, with breakdown of the epithelium and infiltration of other layers of the cornea, as well.
Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex viral conjunctivitis typically occurs in young children. According to Myron Yanoff and Jay Druker in the textbook, "Ophthalmology," this type of conjunctivitis is often not diagnosed because it has nonspecific symptoms. The main symptoms of herpes simplex conjunctivitis are irritation, hemorrhaging of the conjunctivitis and lymph nodes around the ears. If there are changes in the cornea, the eye doctor may prescribe antiviral eye drops to manage this part of the infection.
Enterovirus
Viruses in the enterovirus family such as enterovirus 70 or coxsackie A24 can cause a condition called acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. In this disease, the patient develops eyelid swelling, tearing, pain and conjunctival redness. According to Bernard Fields and colleagues in the "Field's Virology, Volume 1" textbook, the cornea can become involved, as well. In acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, the patients can also develop an inflammation inside the eye.
Rubeola
Rubeola infection, also known as measles, is a rare infection; however, an infection with the measles virus may cause conjunctivitis, as well. This type of conjunctivitis causes papillary changes--a condition where little bumps develop in the conjunctiva that lines the eyelids--and changes in the cornea like a breakdown in the epithelial cells and corneal neovascularization.
References
- "Ophthalmology"; Yanoff M, Duker JS; 2009.
- University of Indiana School of Optometry: Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis Management
- Vision 2020 e-resource: Conjunctivitis FAQ
- "Fields' Virology, Volume 1"; Fields BN, Knipe DM, Howley PM, Griffin DE; 2007.
- "Northeast Florida Medicine Journal"; Pediatric Viral Conjunctivitis; Hered RW; 2002.
