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Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious viral eye infection that causes redness, tearing, burning, and a watery discharge. One eye often starts first and the other follows within days. Lids can swell and light sensitivity may occur, especially in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Most cases resolve on their own with supportive care.
read more about adenoviral conjunctivitis ...Adenoviruses spread readily through hands, towels, instruments, and shared surfaces. The virus irritates the conjunctiva and, in EKC, can involve the cornea and cause blurred vision. Outbreaks are common in schools and clinics. Strict hygiene is crucial to limit spread.
Once the virus infects the conjunctival cells, inflammation makes the tissue red and swollen. The immune response produces watery discharge and light sensitivity until the infection resolves naturally over time.
You should see your eye doctor if you notice sudden or persistent changes in your vision such as blurriness, flashes of light, floaters, or eye pain. Redness, swelling, or discharge that does not improve with basic care also warrants a checkup. Even if symptoms seem mild, getting a professional evaluation can help detect problems early and prevent complications. Regular eye exams are also important to monitor your overall eye health and keep your vision clear.
Treatment is supportive, cool compresses, preservative free artificial tears, and careful hygiene. Topical antibiotics do not help viral disease. In severe cases with corneal involvement, doctors may consider short courses of topical steroids under close supervision. Most people improve over 1?3 weeks.
People are generally contagious while the eye is red and tearing, often about 10?14 days. Avoid sharing towels and cosmetics, wash hands often, and stay home from school or work when advised. Disinfect high touch items to protect others. Contact lens wear should be paused during active infection.
Diagnosis is clinical based on symptoms and exam; point of care tests can detect viral antigen in some settings. Doctors look for follicles, tender preauricular nodes, and watery discharge. Corneal staining reveals involvement in EKC. Testing rules out other causes when needed.
Will antibiotics help? No, antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses.
Can I wear contacts? Pause wear until fully recovered.
Do cold compresses help? Yes, they ease burning and swelling.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ""Adenovirus Infection."" https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus
American Academy of Ophthalmology. ""Viral Conjunctivitis."" https://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute. ""Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)."" https://www.nei.nih.gov
Mayo Clinic. ""Conjunctivitis ? Symptoms and Treatment."" https://www.mayoclinic.org
PubMed. ""Management of adenoviral conjunctivitis."" https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25196619/