An acute conjunctival inflammation, occurring in populations with good hygiene, caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergy. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelids and part of your eyeballs.

Conjunctivitis may make you feel as if you've got something in one or both of your eyes that you just can't get out. When you wake up in the morning, your eyes may seem to be pasted shut from the discharge coming from your eyes. The whites of your eyes also may begin to look pinkish, and you may not see as clearly as you did before.

In conjunctivitis, inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, resulting in a pinkish or reddish cast to the whites of your eyes. In fact, pinkeye and red eye are terms commonly used to refer to all types of conjunctivitis.

Though the inflammation of conjunctivitis makes it an irritating condition, it rarely affects your sight. If you suspect conjunctivitis, you can take steps to ease your discomfort. But because it can be contagious, conjunctivitis should be diagnosed and treated early. This is especially important for preschool-age children, who commonly develop both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

Signs and symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Redness in one or both eyes

• Itchiness in one or both eyes

• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light

• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

• A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night

• Tearing

Conjunctivitis > next > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4