It is frequently referred to as pink eye and is the most common acute eye disorder seen by primary care pediatricians and family physicians. Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by ocular redness and itching. The condition is often recurrent, and seasonal. Children who have allergic conjunctivitis often have a history of other atopic diseases, particularly allergic rhinitis, eczema or asthma. Infectious conjunctivitis may be bacterial or viral.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is twice as common as viral conjunctivitis.
Typically in bacterial conjunctivitis the eye is red, there is a purulent discharge, the affected child is often a pre-schooler and there may be an associated otitis media. In viral conjunctivitis there is redness, clear tearing or crusting, usually occurs in an older school age child, and is often associated with pharyngitis. Haemophilus Influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae . Outbreaks of adenoviral conjunctivitis have been linked to contaminated equipment in ophthalmology clinics and to swimming pools. Viral and other non-purulent types of conjunctivitis do not require antimicrobial treatment.