Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the clear mucous membrane that lines the outside of the eye and the inner eyelids. This type of inflammation and/or infection is usually caused by a virus or a bacteria.

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis can include redness, itching, watering, puffy eyelids, blurry vision, light sensitivity, or a mucous discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common than viral, although viral conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and easily transmitted amongst family members. Children tend to get conjunctivitis more frequently than adults.

In order to help prevent an infection, it is important to keep your hands clean through careful washing and to avoid other people with conjunctivitis. If your eye is infected, do not touch the eye or eyelid, as this will likely spread the infection to the other eye or another person. It is recommended that women dispose of any used eye makeup and purchase new makeup to avoid contaminating the eyes again.

Eyedrops are usually prescribed to treat conjunctivitis and relieve any discomfort from the infection. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and maintain all your appointments to keep the infection from spreading or worsening into a more serious and complicated problem.