The conjunctiva is a thin semitransparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye called the sclera. Due to the non-specificity of signs and symptoms, a thorough medical and ophthalmic history with clinical examination should be obtained, especially in patients with atypical signs and a chronic course. Specific treatments for viral conjunctivitis are currently being assessed in clinical trials. Improvement in diagnostic rates of viral conjunctivitis is estimated to have reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and saved US $430 million per year in the United States. The rates of antibiotic treatment in the community for patients with infectious conjunctivitis in the United Kingdom range between 80% and 95%. Prescribing antibiotics in cases of viral conjunctivitis is one of the major costs of any healthcare system. There is a considerable economic and societal impact due to the costs of visits to the emergency department or general practitioner, diagnostic tests, prescription treatment, and time lost from work or school. Characteristics of viral conjunctivitis include redness, blood vessel engorgement, ocular discharge, pain, photophobia, and pseudomembranes. Viral conjunctivitis is responsible for the majority of infectious conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 75% of cases. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of red-eye and affects patients of all ages and socioeconomic class.
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