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conjunctivitis%20-%20viral
CONJUNCTIVITIS - VIRAL
Viral conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva of viral etiology.
Signs and symptoms include unilateral or bilateral eye redness, foreign body sensation and follicular conjunctival reaction.
It may be caused by adenovirus, herpes simplex or molluscum contagiosum.

Introduction

  • A highly contagious acute conjunctival infection usually caused by adenovirus 
  • May be a part of a viral prodrome or is the only symptom of a viral illness 

Definition

  • Inflammation of the conjunctiva of viral etiology 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Symptoms become worse for the first 3-5 days then gradually resolve in 2-3 weeks
  • Common upper respiratory coinfection
  • Mild to moderate eye redness & pruritus
  • Watery eye discharge
  • Rare bilateral eye involvement
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Follicular conjunctival reaction
  • Common lymphadenopathy
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