The term conjunctivitis refers to inflammation
of the conjunctiva
of the eye. It is also sometimes known as Pink
Eye - another term meaning the same as conjunctivitis.
(Recall that the suffix -itis usually indicates "inflammation"
of the preceding anatomical part of the body, in this case the conjunctiva.)
Conjunctivitis can cause the conjunctiva to become inflammed,
red and swollen. It is often also associated with the production of a
watery or pus-containing discharge from the conjunctiva. This is generally
uncomfortable and inconvenient but is not necessarily painful.
Conjunctivitis may be caused by a range of factors such
as bacteria or viruses (in which case spreading to the other eye usually
occurs quickly), or the presence of chemical or physical irritants. Allergic
conjunctivitis (also known as "vernal conjunctivitis")
is inflammation of the cornea - normally as a result of a specific allergen,
e.g. pollen, dust, or animal fibers.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
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This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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