Conjunctivitis - Complications of conjunctivitis

Complications with conjunctivitis depend on whether the condition is an infection (infective conjunctivitis) or an allergic reaction (allergic conjunctivitis).

Infective conjunctivitis

If your infection has been caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially chlamydia, your conjunctivitis may last for several months rather than weeks.

Infective conjunctivitis caused by any type of bacteria can cause a number of complications, particularly in babies born prematurely (before week 37 of pregnancy).

Possible complications include:

Meningitis: an infection of the meninges (the protective layer of cells surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Cellulitis: an infection of the deep layer of skin and tissue that causes the skin on the surface to become sore and inflamed (swollen). It is usually easily treated with antibiotics.
Septicaemia: this is more commonly known as blood poisoning. This condition occurs when bacteria get into the bloodstream and attack the body's tissues.
Otitis media: this is a short-term ear infection. It affects around one-in-four children who have had infective conjunctivitis caused by the haemophilus influenzae bacteria.

Neonatal conjunctivitis

In newborn babies (neonates) who are up to 28 days old, infective conjunctivitis can lead to a severe and rapidly progressive eye infection. If this is not treated, it can result in permanent damage to your child’s vision.

If your newborn baby is found to have infective conjunctivitis, they will be referred immediately for specialist assessment and treatment. Their condition will be closely monitored. Complications are rare and most babies make a full recovery from infective conjunctivitis.

After having infective conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia, around one-in-five babies may develop pneumonia. This is a potentially life-threatening condition in young babies and may require treatment in hospital.

Allergic conjunctivitis

If your conjunctivitis is due to an allergic reaction to pollen, dust mites or similar (seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis), it is very rare to experience any serious complications.

However, you may find your reoccurring symptoms frustrating. For example, if your conjunctivitis is caused by pollen, you may find it difficult to go outside during the spring and summer months without triggering your symptoms.

This type of allergic conjunctivitis can affect your daily life and could make it difficult for you to concentrate at work or school, particularly if your eyes are severely irritated. Although this can affect your quality of life, it should not cause any long-term health problems. Read more about living with an allergy.

Punctate epithelial keratitis

Some types of conjunctivitis can cause a condition called keratitis. Keratitis is where your cornea (the front of your eye) becomes inflamed (swollen).

This can be painful and make your eyes sensitive to light (photophobia). Sometimes, ulcers form on the cornea. If the ulcers scar your cornea, your vision may be permanently damaged.

Contact your GP immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms (read more about the symptoms of conjunctivitis) or visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

Bacteria: Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and others are good for you.
Brain: The brain controls thought, memory and emotion. It sends messages to the body controlling movement, speech and senses.
Conjunctiva: The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane (thin layer of cells) that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surfaces of the eyelids.
Inflammation: Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Lungs: The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that control breathing. They remove carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it with oxygen.