Viral conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis which is highly contagious and can be easily treated. It can spread from person to person living in a crowded place, sharing towels, using contaminated water. The virus can be easily found in nasal and eye secretion hence can easily infect another person after shaking hand.

Patient usually gives a history of contact with an infected patient and complains of mild to high-grade fever, sore throat, flu, eyelid oedema , preauricular lymphadenopathy, conjunctival hyperemea. In case of excessive rubbing of eye, the patient can present with conjunctival haemorrhage and chemosis. If the disease process is uncontrolled at this stage then it can lead to keratitis.

Since it is a viral disease, the sign and symptoms usually subside within 7 to 14 days. Therefore there is no specific treatment but the patient can be given symptomatic relief with the help of warm compresses to the eye, saltwater gargles for sore throat and paracetamol for fever.

The patient should be advised to avoid eye rubbing, towel sharing and to wash hands regularly. The disease can be easily treated at home and prevented from progression if the above-mentioned precautions and measures are taken.