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 someone 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.