Conjunctivitis is a condition that affects the eye. When the small blood vessels in the lining of your eye become irritated and swell, the membrane that lines the eye and the inside of the eyelids – the conjunctiva – becomes inflamed, causing eyes to look red and become irritated. Conjunctivitis can affect 1 or both eyes, and in some cases, is contagious.

There are 4 types of conjunctivitis:

Bacterial conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infection from streptococcus and bacteria related to sexually transmitted infections gonorrhoea and chlamydia. This strain is common in young children, who often pass it onto their parents. Though this type of conjunctivitis is not painful, it can cause eye damage if left untreated, and is very contagious.

Viral conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is a viral infection, and is airborne and highly contagious. Viral conjunctivitis is transmitted via coughing and sneezing, and often accompanies common respiratory infections, such as measles, the flu, or the common cold. Infection often starts with one eye, and moves to the other. Luckily, this type doesn’t need treatment and goes away on its own.

Irritation-induced Conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by external factors, such as a foreign body like a dust particle, too much UV light (this can happen if you go skiing without wearing sunglasses and contact lenses with UV protection), or from chlorinated water when you have been swimming.

Allergic conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis develops as a reaction to particles that cause an allergic reaction. This can happen, for example, if you have hay fever or other allergens, such as dust mites, cats, dogs, or other pets. Allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva can be seasonal or perennial, depending on the allergen that affects you.

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Conjunctivitis and contact lenses: everything you need to know