Acute red eye. Differentiating viral conjunctivitis from other, less common causes.

Adenoviral conjuctivitis is one of the most common causes of acute red eye. Other diagnostic considerations include herpes virus conjunctivitis, chlamydial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and various other less common infections. Careful history taking can help in identifying a viral cause. The presentation may range from a minor conjunctivitis resulting from an upper respiratory tract infection to a serious, debilitating epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Local care and interventions to minimize transmission are the cornerstones of management. Infection is usually self-limiting. Warm soaks and artificial tear lubricants may relieve itching and burning. Patients should be instructed to avoid touching their eyes, wash hands often, use disposable towels, and avoid group activities for as long as an ocular discharge is present. Use of topical corticosteroids or antibacterial preparations can lead to complications, and injudicious use of topical corticosteroids may mask serious conditions that require other interventions.