Adenoviral_keratoconjunctivitis
Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis
Common and highly contagious viral infection of the eye
Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, also known as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, is a contagious eye infection, a type of adenovirus disease caused by adenoviruses.[1] It typically presents as a conjunctivitis with a sudden onset of a painful red eye, watery discharge and feeling that something is in the eye.[3] Photophobia develops with blurred vision and lymphadenopathy by the ear nearest the affected eye.[2] It is often associated with a sore throat and stuffy and runny nose, mainly in adults.[3] A type of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis in very young children can present with a high fever, sore throat, ear infection, vomiting and diarrhea.[3]
It is commonly caused by types 8 and 37 adenoviruses, spread by contaminated eye examination instruments and eye solutions, touching eyes by infected people, from inadequately chlorinated swimming pools, or other contaminated objects.[3] The incubation period is around five to 10 days.[3]
Usually, the condition is better after a week to 10 days without treatment.[3] Cold compresses and artificial tears may help.[2] Corneal scarring occurs in up to half of cases and the blurred vision may continue for a long time in some people.[2] The virus may remain in the eye for 2–3 years after recovering.[3]
It is a common cause of a red eye and tends to occur in large numbers of people at the same time.[2] Adults tend to be affected more frequently than children.[3]