…an inflammation of the conjunctiva—the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by many different types of viruses, as well as by bacteria, and is the most common eye disorder. 

Symptoms

Viral conjunctivitis causes a reddening of the white of the eye and inner eyelid in one or both eyes. Itching and burning in the eye, a gritty foreign-body sensation and a watery discharge may also occur. The infection usually starts in one eye but can spread easily to the other eye.

Read more about viral conjunctivitis in the factsheet for the general public.