Conjunctivitis Causes and Considerations

Infectious Causes

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that viral conjunctivitis typically presents with watery discharge, conjunctival injection, and sometimes preauricular lymphadenopathy 1, 3
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a viral cause of conjunctivitis, usually unilateral with possible vesicular eyelid lesions and dendritic keratitis 1
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is associated with dermatomal rash and severe pain in conjunctivitis cases 1
Measles (rubeola) can cause bilateral conjunctivitis with maculopapular rash 1
Molluscum contagiosum is associated with dome-shaped umbilicated eyelid lesions in conjunctivitis patients 1
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial pathogen in conjunctivitis cases 2
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacterial pathogen in conjunctivitis cases 2
Haemophilus influenzae is a common bacterial pathogen in conjunctivitis cases 2
Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes hyperacute purulent conjunctivitis requiring urgent treatment 4
Chlamydia trachomatis causes inclusion conjunctivitis and trachoma 4

Seasonal/perennial allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by environmental allergens like pollens and grasses, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2
Vernal conjunctivitis is a chronic, recurrent form often affecting young males with atopic history 2
Atopic conjunctivitis is associated with atopic dermatitis 2
Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) is associated with thyroid disease 5
Contact lens-related conjunctivitis is due to mechanical irritation, chronic hypoxia, or preservatives 6
Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is related to contact lens wear or exposed sutures 6
Floppy eyelid syndrome is associated with obesity and sleep apnea 6
Medication-induced/preservative-induced keratoconjunctivitis is from topical medications 6

Neisseria gonorrhoeae manifests within 1-7 days after birth in neonatal conjunctivitis cases 4
Chlamydia trachomatis manifests 5-19 days after birth in neonatal conjunctivitis cases 4
Poor lens hygiene, prolonged wearing time, and allergenic solutions increase the risk of conjunctivitis in contact lens wearers 6
Unilateral granulomatous follicular conjunctivitis with regional lymphadenopathy suggests Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome 4

Misdiagnosing sebaceous carcinoma as chronic blepharoconjunctivitis is a common pitfall 3
Not considering systemic conditions that can manifest with conjunctivitis is a common pitfall 2