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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
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| ==Causes==
| | ==Common Causes== |
| Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by [[viruses]], often [[adenovirus]], but many other factors can lead to its occurrence. Other causes include:
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| * [[Allergies]] ([[allergic conjunctivitis]])
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| * [[Bacteria]]
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| * Certain diseases
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| * Chemical exposure
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| * [[Chlamydia]]
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| * [[Fungi]]
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| * [[Parasites]] (rarely)
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| * Use of [[contact lenses]] (especially extended-wear lenses)
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| Conjunctivitis is spread from person-to-person by:
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| * Direct contact with the infected person’s [[eye]] drainage or drainage from the person’s [[cough]], [[sneeze]], or [[runny nose]].
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| * Indirect contact with objects that may have the infected person’s drainage on them (e.g. eye makeup applicators, towels, shared eye medications).
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| * Contact with the infected person’s [[fingers]] or [[hands]] which may contain the [[virus]] or [[bacteria]].
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| [[Newborns]] can be infected by [[bacteria]] in the [[birth canal]]. This condition is called [[ophthalmia neonatorum]], and it must be treated immediately to preserve [[eyesight]]. Additionally, [[neonatal]] conjunctivitis is a red eye in a [[newborn]] caused by [[irritation]], a blocked [[tear duct]], or [[infection]].
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| ===Common Causes===
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| *[[Allergic conjunctivitis]] | | *[[Allergic conjunctivitis]] |