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Viral conjunctivitis is transmitted from person to person

The most severe eye infection is caused by serotype 8. Infections may be sporadic or may spread as epidemics in workplaces, schools, hospitals or in swimming pools.

Viral conjunctivitis is most frequently caused by a virus known as Adenovirus.

At least 47 different serotypes of adenovirus are known to cause infections of eyes and upper respiratory tract in human beings, explains Dr Upinder Kaur Notay, Opthalmologist, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah.

The most severe eye infection is caused by serotype 8. Infections may be sporadic or may spread as epidemics in workplaces, schools, hospitals or in swimming pools.

The spread of this highly contagious disease is due to the ability of viral particles to survive on dry surfaces for several weeks. Moreover, a newly infected person may continue to shed virus for many days before the appearance of clinical symptoms cause high risk of transmission of infection to healthy subjects.

The spectrum of viral conjunctivitis varies from mild illness to severe inflammation of eyes with significant morbidity. The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can be redness, pain, grittiness, swelling of eyelids, increased sensitivity to light, and discharge from eyes.

In very severe cases membranes or pseudo membranes may form on the conjunctiva of eyes. Cornea may get involved 7-10 days after the beginning of infection. Other associated signs may be painful lymph node swellings in front of ears, fever, sore throat and upper respiratory tract infection.

Spontaneous resolution may occur within 2-3 weeks. A supportive therapy with artificial tears and antibiotics is given.

Artificial tears may be useful for symptomatic relief. Preservative free preparations may give superior comfort, and if supplied in single dose units may reduce the risk of transmission.

Steroid eye drops may be required for membranous adenoviral conjunctivitis or for symptomatic relief in very severe inflammations. However, steroids may enhance viral replication and extend the period during which the patient remains infectious. Cold compresses may also provide symptomatic relief. The infection can recur on premature discontinuation of treatment.

Use of contact lenses should be discouraged until the complete resolution of infection.

Transmission of virus from person to person is generally by contact with secretions from eyes, nose or mouth, and via fomites such as contaminated towels.

Meticulous hand hygiene is of utmost importance in reducing transmission. Repeated washing of hands with soap and water should be encouraged. Sharing of towels, handkerchiefs and tissues should be avoided.

Rubbing of eyes should also be avoided. These precautions should be exercised for at least two weeks of contract of an infection.