Conjunctivitis risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The most potent risk factor for conjunctivitis is exposure to an individual infected with either the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis. Vaginal delivery is a risk factor for conjunctivitis in babies born to mothers infected with either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis.
Risk Factors
People who are exposed to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis are at risk for developing conjunctivitis. Children and adults can develop both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, however bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in young children. Additionally, babies born to mothers infected with either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis are at an increased risk for conjunctivitis. During delivery, these babies can contract ophthalmia neonatorum, a form of bacterial conjunctivitis when their eyes are exposed to the bacteria in the birth canal. It must be treated immediately to prevent blindness.
Infective Conjunctivitis
- Poor hygienic habits
- Poor contact lens hygiene
- Contaminated cosmetics
- Crowded living or social conditions (elementary schools, military barracks)
- Ocular diseases including dry eye, blepharitis, and anatomic abnormalities of the ocular surface and lids
- Recent ocular surgery, exposed sutures or ocular foreign bodies
- Chronic use of topical medications
- Immune compromise
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Pollen from trees, grass
- Animal skin and secretions such as saliva
- Perfumes
- Cosmetics
- Air pollution
- Smok
Neonatal Conjunctivitis
- Maternal infections
- HIV infected mothers
- Exposure of the infant to infectious organisms
- Inadequacy of ocular prophylaxis after birth
- Silver nitrate exposure
- Ocular trauma during delivery
- Mechanical ventilation
- Prematurity
- Poor prenatal care
- Poor hygienic delivery conditions