From the Guidelines
Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks without specific antiviral treatment. Management focuses on symptom relief through cold compresses applied to the eyes for 5-10 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation and discomfort, as suggested by the most recent guidelines 1. Artificial tears (preservative-free preferred) can be used 4-6 times daily to lubricate the eyes and wash away irritants.
Key Management Strategies
- Keep the eyes clean by gently wiping away discharge with a clean, damp cloth, working from the inner corner outward.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until symptoms completely resolve and discard any eye makeup used during the infection.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help with discomfort.
- Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so frequent handwashing, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing towels or pillowcases are essential to prevent spreading the infection.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If symptoms worsen, persist beyond two weeks, or if you experience vision changes, severe pain, or light sensitivity, seek medical attention as these could indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment, as highlighted in recent studies 1. The use of antibiotics in the management of this viral infection should be avoided because of potential adverse treatment effects 1. Topical corticosteroids are helpful to reduce symptoms and may reduce scarring in severe cases of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis with marked chemosis or eyelid swelling, epithelial sloughing, or membranous conjunctivitis, but their use requires close follow-up due to the potential for prolonged viral shedding 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis
The treatment for viral conjunctivitis is primarily supportive, as there is no specific cure for the condition. Some of the treatment options include:
- Artificial tears to help relieve dryness and discomfort in the eyes 2
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling and ease symptoms 2
- Antihistamine eye drops to alleviate itching and redness 2, 3
- Strict personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing, to decrease the risk of transmission 2, 4
Antiviral Medications
In some cases, antiviral medications may be used to treat viral conjunctivitis, particularly for herpes simplex virus infections. Some of the antiviral drugs that have been used to treat viral conjunctivitis include:
- Aciclovir 5
- Trifluridine 5
- Valaciclovir 5
- Cidofovir, which has been used to treat adenoviral conjunctivitis, although toxicity has been reported 5
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids may be used in combination with anti-infectives to treat acute conjunctivitis, including viral conjunctivitis. However, their use is generally recommended for severe cases, and caution should be exercised due to potential risks, such as prolonging adenoviral infections and potentiating herpes simplex virus infections 6
Important Considerations
It is essential to note that viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and strict personal hygiene is crucial to prevent transmission 2, 4. Additionally, some cases of viral conjunctivitis, such as those caused by herpes simplex virus, may require specific treatment, and diagnosis is crucial to determine the appropriate course of treatment 4, 5