epidemiology
Last reviewed 06/2022
- eye-related complaints account for 57 in 1000 consultations in general
practice - approximately 10-15% of which will involve conjunctivitis (1)
- conjunctivitis is most frequently caused by viruses and bacteria
- viral ; the commonest
infective cause
- adenoviruses - commonest infective agent
-
highly contagious
- spreads as community epidemics in schools, hospitals,
swimming pools, work places
- modes of transmission - direct, indirect touch and contaminated water (2)
- spreads as community epidemics in schools, hospitals,
swimming pools, work places
Reference:
- Dart JK. Eye disease in a community health centre. BMJ 1986;293.
- Leibowitz HM. The Red Eye Leibowitz. NEJM 2000;343:345.