Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and eyeball and can be caused by different viruses, bacteria and allergic reactions. Conjunctivitis due to bacteria or viruses is highly contagious (very easily spread from person to person). As such, infected individuals should be counseled to prevent transmission avoiding close contact with others during the period of contagion. Acute conjunctivitis can affect one eye or both, and, in some cases, vision can become affected if there is corneal inflammation.
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