Causes for conjunctivities

Bacteria, fungi or viruses can cause conjunctivitis. At times, allergic agents, irritants (chemicals or foreign bodies in the eye), overexposure to sunlight and toxic agents are also implicated as the causative agents. The causative agent and the age of the patient determine the course of therapy.

Causes of conjunctivitis include the following: 

• Adenovirus causes viral conjunctivitis.

• Bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella lacunata cause mucopurulent conjunctivitis.

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes hyperpurulent conjunctivitis.

• Vernal conjunctivitis is due to an allergic reaction. It often occurs in people with a strong family history of allergies and is the most common during the spring and summer.

• Conjunctivitis is often associated with wearing of contact lens and is called giant papillary conjunctivitis.

• Airborne irritants liquid or powder relatively causes toxic conjunctivitis.

• Environmental conditions like dust, smoke, pollen or grass can also cause conjunctivitis.

• Rare causes of conjunctivitis include exposure to sunlamps, problems with the tear ducts etc.

Next Page:  Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis

Written by: Healthplus24.com
Date last modified: November 12, 2009