Allergic conjunctivitis
Most patients respond to treatment but may experience seasonal exacerbations.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Generally self-limiting over 5 to 10 days; no significant long-term complications. Contact lens wearers and immunocompromised patients are at most risk of complications.[114]Morrow GL, Abbott RL. Conjunctivitis. Am Fam Physician. 1998 Feb 15;57(4):735-46.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9490996?tool=bestpractice.com
Viral conjunctivitis
Most cases are self-limiting; approximately 30% to 50% of patients with the form of adenovirus that causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis may develop subepithelial infiltrates, which may lead to persistent visual loss and light sensitivity.[115]Butt AL, Chodosh J. Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis in a tertiary care eye clinic. Cornea. 2006 Feb;25(2):199-202.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16371782?tool=bestpractice.com
[116]Colón LE. Keratoconjunctivitis due to adenovirus type 8: report on a large outbreak. Ann Ophthalmol. 1991 Feb;23(2):63-5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2029116?tool=bestpractice.com
[117]Ankers HE, Klapper PE, Cleator GM, et al. The role of a rapid diagnostic test (adenovirus immune dot blot) in the control of an outbreak of adenovirus type-8 keratoconjunctivitis. Eye. 1993;7(Pt 3 Suppl):15-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8253218?tool=bestpractice.com
[118]Jackson WB, Davis PL, Groh V, et al. Adenovirus type 19 keratoconjunctivitis in Canada. Can J Ophthalmol. 1975 Jul;10(3):326-33.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/167920?tool=bestpractice.com
[119]Richmond S, Burman R, Crosdale E, et al. A large outbreak of keratoconjunctivitis due to adenovirus type 8. J Hyg (Lond). 1984 Oct;93(2):285-91.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6094666?tool=bestpractice.com
Consider referral to an eye specialist for possible corticosteroid treatment.
Noninfectious conjunctivitis
Most patients recover well after discontinuation of the cause.