conjunctivitis /kənjungk′tivī″tis/ , inflammation of the conjunctiva, caused by bacterial or viral infection, allergy, or environmental factors. Red eyes, thick discharge, sticky eyelids in the morning, and inflammation without pain are characteristic results of the most common cause, bacteria. The cause may be found by microscopic examination or bacteriological culture of the discharge. Choice of treatment depends on the causative agent and may include antibacterial agents, antibiotics, or corticosteroids. Also called pinkeye. See also choroiditis, uveitis.
