Acute conjunctivitis

Patients with infectious conjunctivitis should be informed about the contagious nature of their condition. Patients with bacterial conjunctivitis may return to work/school/daycare after 24 to 48 hours of antibiotic treatment, but viral conjunctivitis requires at least 1 week out of work/school/daycare.

Advice regarding strict hand washing and not sharing any towels or bedding may help prevent spread of infection. Typically, viral conjunctivitis is contagious until the eye is no longer red and tearing.

See our patient information Conjunctivitis.