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Commonly known as "pinkeye" because of the inflamed tissues that are seen when the eyelid is pulled back, conjunctivitis is the most coimon infectious disease of the eye that affects children. Although most types of conjunctivitis are contagious, it usually causes no danger to the eye. Besides infections, conjunctivitis can also be caused by inflammation or irritants to the eye. Most conditions in the adult are secondary to staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) infections. If the discharge is severe, gonococcal (gonorrhea) conjunctivitis must be considered. Neonatal and adult inclusion conjunctivitis result from exposure to infected genital secretions. In adult inclusion conjunctivitis, one eye is usually involved, with a stringy discharge of mucus and pus. There may be little bumps called follicles inside the lower eyelid and the eye is red.
Occasionally, the condition damages the cornea, causing cloudy areas and a growth of new blood vessels.
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