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.[1]
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. [1][2]
Infective Conjunctivitis
Common risk factors in the development of infective conjunctivitis include:
- 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
Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Common risk factors in the development of neonatal conjunctivitis include:
- 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
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Common risk factors in the development of allergic conjunctivitis include:
- Pollen from trees, grass
- Animal skin and secretions such as saliva
- Perfumes
- Cosmetics
- Air pollution
- Smok
Keratoconjunctivitis
Common risk factors in the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca include:
- Allergies
- Decreased hormones (aging, pregnancy)
- Thyroid eye conditions
- Blepharitis
- Medication use (anti histamines, beta-blockers, pain relievers, sleeping pills, diuretics, Hormones replacement, and oral contraceptives)
- Autoimmune disorders (Sjogren's syndrome, Lupus ,and Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Eye surgery
- Infrequent blinking (staring at computer and Parkinson's)
- Environmental (dusty or windy)
- Contact lens use
- Neurologic conditions (stroke, Bell's palsy, Parkinson's, trigeminal nerve problem)
- Uveitis
- Iritis
- Diabetes
- Vitamin A deficiency
Common risk factors in the development of superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis include:
- Mechanical soft-tissue microtrauma (conjunctiva laxity)
- Morphologic changes in superior conjunctival
- Prolonged eyelid closure