Conjunctiva is a thin transparent membrane that lines the eyeball and eyelid. Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva leads to conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis appears as a pink eye with discharge and itching in the eye. The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a viral infection. Other causes of conjunctivitis are a bacterial infection, allergic reactions and ophthalmia neonatorum (conjunctivitis seen in the newborns).

Bacterial conjunctivitis:-
It is seen as a pink eye. It affects both the eyes usually and leads to thick discharge of mucus from both the eyes.

Viral conjunctivitis: -
Is a limited condition. It usually affects one eye and causes excessive tearing. The discharge is usually mild.

Allergic conjunctivitis:-
It results in excessive tearing from the eyes and itching & redness in the eyes. It may sometimes be associated with a runny nose.

Ophthalmia neonatorum:-
Is conjunctivitis in the newborn. It requires emergency care and the neonatologist (physician caring for the baby) should be consulted immediately. It has to be treated urgently to prevent permanent eye damage or blindness. It is usually caused when the infant is exposed to the germs in the mother's birth canal. Gonococcus, C. trachomatis and herpes virus are the common causes.