Conjunctivitis, Viral (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis
B30.1/B30.9 + (H13.1)
DESCRIPTION
A highly contagious, viral infection, which is spread by contact with:
- Hands
- Towels
- Face cloths
It may start in one eye, spreading to the other. More commonly both eyes are infected.
Viral conjunctivitis may be associated with an upper respiratory tract infection.
Common symptoms include:
- A burning, itching, sandy, or gritty feeling in the eyes, often described as being painful.
- Photophobia.
- Watery discharge (a yellow discharge indicates a secondary bacterial infection).
- Diffuse pink or red conjunctivae, which may become haemorrhagic.
- Enlarged pre-auricular lymph node.
The cornea, iris and pupil are completely normal with normal visual acuity.
The condition is self-limiting but eye irritation and discharge may get worse for the first week depending on the specific virus. Duration varies from 3-5 days to 2-3 weeks before resolution.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Advise on correct cleansing or rinsing of eyes with clean water.
- Cold compresses for symptomatic relief.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Children >6 years of age and adults
- Oxymetazoline 0.025%, eye drops, instil 1drop 6 hourly for a maximum of 7 days to reduce redness of eyes.
Pain:
Children
- Paracetamol, oral, 10–15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required. See: dosing table.
Adults
- Paracetamol, oral, 500 mg -1 g, 4–6 hourly when required (to a maximum of 4 g in 24 hours).
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/kg/dose.
REFERRAL
- No response after 5 days.
- A unilateral red eye for more than one day.
- Suspected herpes conjunctivitis.
- Loss of vision.
- Irregularity of pupil.
- Haziness of the cornea.
- Persistent painful eye.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_30 September 2024
Chapter 18: Eye Conditions_18.1 Conjunctivitis_18.1.4 Conjunctivitis, Viral (Pink Eye)