keratoconjunctivitis

pathology

Also known as: EKC

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Keratoconjunctivitis is the combined inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, the transparent front part of the eye and the membrane lining the eyelids, respectively. This condition can be caused by infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. A common viral cause is adenovirus, which can lead to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, a highly contagious disease. Symptoms may include pain, redness, swelling of the conjunctiva, and tenderness of nearby lymph nodes. Treatment depends on the cause, with supportive care and hygiene being important for viral infections, and antimicrobial therapy for bacterial or fungal infections.123

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adenovirus
Adenoviruses can also cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and are considered to be responsible for an outbreak of respiratory disease among military recruits in 1997. Like the cold viruses, adenoviruses are often found in latent infections in clinically healthy persons. Of the 47 different adenovirus species, only a few commonly cause…
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Adenoviruses can also cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and are considered to be responsible for an outbreak of respiratory disease among military recruits in 1997. Like the cold viruses, adenoviruses are often found in latent infections in clinically healthy persons. Of the 47 different adenovirus species, only a few commonly cause…
Read More

conjunctivitis
… are involved, a condition called keratoconjunctivitis. The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary, but they include light sensitivity, redness, itching, a sensation of sand in the eye, and eye discharge (which can be either watery or thick and coloured).
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… are involved, a condition called keratoconjunctivitis. The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary, but they include light sensitivity, redness, itching, a sensation of sand in the eye, and eye discharge (which can be either watery or thick and coloured).
Read More