Updated: Aug 5, 2009
Viruses are a common cause of conjunctivitis in patients of all ages. A variety of viruses can be responsible for conjunctival infection; however, adenovirus is by far the most common cause, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most problematic. Less common causes include varicella-zoster virus (VZV), picornavirus (enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24), poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Rarely, conjunctivitis is seen during systemic infection with influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, paramyxovirus (measles, mumps, Newcastle), and rubella.
Viral conjunctivitis, although usually benign and self-limited, tends to follow a longer course than acute bacterial conjunctivitis, lasting for approximately 2-4 weeks. Viral infection is characterized commonly by an acute follicular conjunctival reaction and preauricular adenopathy.
Adenoviral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis. Particular subtypes of adenoviral conjunctivitis include epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) and pharyngoconjunctival fever. Transmission occurs through contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites, and contaminated swimming pools.1
Primary ocular herpes simplex infection is common in children and usually is associated with a follicular conjunctivitis. Infection usually is caused by HSV type I, although HSV type II may be a cause, especially in neonates. Recurrent infection, typically seen in adults, usually is associated with corneal involvement.
VZV can affect the conjunctiva during primary infection (chickenpox) or secondary infection (zoster). Infection can be caused by direct contact with VZV or zoster skin lesions or by inhalation of infectious respiratory secretions.
Picornaviruses cause an acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis that is clinically similar to adenoviral conjunctivitis but is more severe and hemorrhagic. Infection is highly contagious and occurs in epidemics.
Molluscum contagiosum may produce a chronic follicular conjunctivitis that occurs secondary to shedding of viral particles into the conjunctival sac from an irritative eyelid lesion.
Vaccinia virus has become a rare cause of conjunctivitis because with the elimination of smallpox, the vaccination rarely is administered. Infection occurs through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the patient's hands.
HIV is the etiologic agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ocular abnormalities in patients with AIDS primarily affect the posterior segment, but anterior segment findings have been reported. When conjunctivitis occurs in a patient with AIDS, it tends to follow a more severe and prolonged course than in patients without AIDS. In general, patients with AIDS may develop a transient nonspecific conjunctivitis, characterized by irritation, hyperemia, and tearing, that requires no specific treatment. Microsporidia has been isolated from the cornea and conjunctiva of several patients with AIDS and keratoconjunctivitis. In these patients, symptoms included foreign body sensation, blurred vision, and photophobia; most cases resolved without antimicrobial therapy.
Viral conjunctivitis is a common ocular disease both in the United States and worldwide. Because it is so common, and many cases are not brought to medical attention, accurate statistics on the frequency of disease are unavailable. Viral infection frequently occurs in epidemics within families, schools, offices, and military organizations.
Same as in the United States.
Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are self-limited and mild, although chronic infections have been reported. Long-term ocular sequelae are uncommon.
Viral conjunctivitis can occur equally in men and women.
Viral conjunctivitis can affect all age groups, depending on the specific viral etiology. Usually, adenovirus affects patients aged 20-40 years. HSV and primary VZV infection usually affect young children and infants. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus results from reactivation of latent VZV infection and may present in any age group. Typically, the picornaviruses affect children and young adults in the lower socioeconomic classes.2
While the manifestations of various types of bacterial conjunctivitis are fairly homogenous, those of viral conjunctivitis can vary from one disease process to another. History should focus on eliciting information that will aid in differentiating the various etiologic agents of viral infection.
A variety of viruses can be responsible for conjunctival infection. Adenovirus is the most common cause, and HSV is the most problematic. Less common causes include VZV, picornavirus (enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24), poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia), and HIV.
| Conjunctivitis, Acute Hemorrhagic | Keratoconjunctivitis, Epidemic |
| Conjunctivitis, Allergic | Keratoconjunctivitis, Sicca |
| Conjunctivitis, Bacterial | Nasolacrimal Duct, Obstruction |
| Conjunctivitis, Giant Papillary | Pharyngoconjunctival Fever |
| Conjunctivitis, Neonatal | Red Eye Evaluation |
| Contact Lens Complications | Uveitis, Anterior, Nongranulomatous |
| Keratitis, Herpes Simplex | |
| Keratoconjunctivitis, Atopic |
HSV keratoconjunctivitis
VZV keratoconjunctivitis
Ocular chlamydial infections
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Blepharoconjunctivitis
Contact lens keratoconjunctivitis
Foreign body
Epithelial keratitis
Treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis is supportive. No evidence exists that demonstrates efficacy of antiviral agents.
An important aspect of treatment is to know the proper time to refer the patient to a specialist.
Medications used in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis include the following: topical artificial tears, 4-8 times per day, for 1-3 weeks; topical vasoconstrictor/antihistamine, 4 times per day, for severe itching; topical steroids for pseudomembranes and subepithelial infiltrates; topical antibiotic to prevent bacterial superinfection; topical antiviral agents for HSV infection; and oral acyclovir for VZV infection.7
Used for symptomatic relief.
Act to stabilize and thicken precorneal tear film and prolong tear film breakup time, which occurs with dry eye states.
1-2 gtt 4-8 times/d; may use more frequently if preservative free
Administer as in adults
None reported
Documented hypersensitivity
A - Fetal risk not revealed in controlled studies in humans
Hyperemia, photophobia, stickiness of eyelashes, and ocular discomfort or irritation may occur
Used to treat severe itching.
Potent histamine H1-receptor antagonist; for ophthalmic use.
1 gtt in each affected eye qid
<12 years: Not established
>12 years: Administer as in adults
None reported
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Shake well prior to use; not for internal (systemic) use; avoid use of contact lenses while on medication
For pseudomembranes and decreased vision and/or glare due to subepithelial infiltrates. Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, these agents modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.
Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability. Less potent (eg, prednisolone 0.125%, fluorometholone 0.1%) are usually sufficient to treat subepithelial infiltrates. The steroid must be tapered very slowly, over months.
1 gtt q1-6h, depending on severity of infection; taper slowly over several d to wk
Administer as in adults
None reported
Documented hypersensitivity; HSV keratitis; acute viral keratitis; VZV; suspected fungal keratitis; mycobacterial infection; glaucoma
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in patients with glaucoma; corticosteroids are associated with increased intraocular pressure and cataract in some patients; they may worsen certain infections, such as from herpes simplex, bacteria, and fungi
Used for the treatment of HSV infection.
Pyrimidine (thymidine) analogue DOC in the United States for topical antiviral therapy for HSV infection. Inhibits viral replication by incorporating into viral DNA in place of thymidine. If no response in 7-14 d, consider other treatments.
1 gtt into affected eye q2h while awake; not to exceed 9 gtt/d for 10 d, not to exceed 21 d; taper thereafter
Administer as in adults
None reported
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
All topical antiviral medications currently available for clinical use in the United States are toxic; adverse reactions include discomfort upon instillation and palpebral edema, irritation, and superficial punctate or epithelial keratopathy
Prodrug activated by phosphorylation by virus-specific thymidine kinase that inhibits viral replication.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: 800 mg PO 5 times/d for 7-10 d
Recurrent episodes: 400-800 mg PO bid for 7-10 d; initiate treatment immediately upon onset of symptoms of recurrent episodes
Prevention of herpes simplex infections: 400 mg PO bid, can be used to prevent recurrent herpes simplex infections and inflammations
20 mg/kg/dose PO q6h up to a maximum of 800 mg
Concomitant use of probenecid or zidovudine prolongs half-life and increases CNS toxicity of acyclovir
Documented hypersensitivity; caution in renal disease
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Caution in renal failure or when using nephrotoxic drugs
Ishiko H, Shimada Y, Konno T, Hayashi A, Ohguchi T, Tagawa Y, et al. Novel human adenovirus causing nosocomial epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. J Clin Microbiol. Jun 2008;46(6):2002-8. [Medline].
Kuo SC, Shen SC, Chang SW, Huang SC, Hsiao CH. Corneal superinfection in acute viral conjunctivitis in young children. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. Nov-Dec 2008;45(6):374-6. [Medline].
Park SW, Lee CS, Jang HC, et al. Rapid identification of the coxsackievirus A24 variant by molecular serotyping in an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. J Clin Microbiol. Mar 2005;43(3):1069-71. [Medline].
Kimura R, Migita H, Kadonosono K, Uchio E. Is it possible to detect the presence of adenovirus in conjunctiva before the onset of conjunctivitis?. Acta Ophthalmol. Feb 2009;87(1):44-7. [Medline].
Udeh BL, Schneider JE, Ohsfeldt RL. Cost effectiveness of a point-of-care test for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Am J Med Sci. Sep 2008;336(3):254-64. [Medline].
Kaneko H, Maruko I, Iida T, Ohguchi T, Aoki K, Ohno S, et al. The possibility of human adenovirus detection from the conjunctiva in asymptomatic cases during nosocomial infection. Cornea. Jun 2008;27(5):527-30. [Medline].
Monnerat N, Bossart W, Thiel MA. [Povidone-iodine for treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis: an in vitro study]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. May 2006;223(5):349-52. [Medline].
Boerner CF, Lee FK, Wickliffe CL, et al. Electron microscopy for the diagnosis of ocular viral infections. Ophthalmology. Dec 1981;88(12):1377-81. [Medline].
Diamante GG, Leibowitz HM. Superficial punctate keratopathy. In: Leibowitz HM, Waring GO, eds. Corneal Disorders: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. 1998:432-79.
Jackson WB. Differentiating conjunctivitis of diverse origins. Surv Ophthalmol. Jul-Aug 1993;38 Suppl:91-104. [Medline].
Lee SY, Pavan-Langston D. Role of acyclovir in the treatment of herpes simplex virus keratitis. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 1994;34(3):9-18. [Medline].
Liesegang TJ. Conjunctiva. In: Wright KW, ed. Textbook of Ophthalmology. 1997:665-90.
MMWR. Microsporidian keratoconjunctivitis in patients with AIDS. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Mar 23 1990;39(11):188-9. [Medline].
Reed DB. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Prevention of disastrous results. Postgrad Med. Sep 15 1989;86(4):103-4, 107-9, 113-4. [Medline].
Syed NA, Hyndiuk RA. Infectious conjunctivitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. Dec 1992;6(4):789-805. [Medline].
viral conjunctivitis, conjunctival infection, adenovirus, adenoviral conjunctivitis, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, pinkeye, pink eye, pharyngoconjunctival fever, herpes simplex virus, HSV, ocular herpes simplex infection, follicular conjunctivitis, varicella-zoster virus, VZV, picornavirus, enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24, hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, poxvirus, molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV
Ingrid U Scott, MD, MPH, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine
Ingrid U Scott, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Retina Specialists, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Macula Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Retina Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Kevin Luu, MD, Consulting Staff, Pediatric Anesthesia Associates Medical Group Inc; Consulting Staff, Children's Hospital Central California
Kevin Luu, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jerre Freeman, MD, Founder, Chairman, Memphis Eye and Cataract Associates; Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Jerre Freeman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Tennessee Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment
Christopher J Rapuano, MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Co-Chairman of the Cornea Service, Co-Chairman of Refractive Surgery Department, Wills Eye Institute
Christopher J Rapuano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Allergan Consulting fee Consulting; Alcon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Inspire Honoraria Speaking and teaching; RPS Ownership interest Other; Vistakon Honoraria Speaking and teaching
Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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