Conjunctivitis - How common is it?

It's hard to say how many people get conjunctivitis. There hasn't been much research.

Doctors think that it's very common because it's one of the main reasons why people go to see their doctor about their eyes.[1] Between 1 in 100 and 2 in 100 people who go to see a doctor have conjunctivitis.[2]

About half of all cases of conjunctivitis are caused by an infection with germs called bacteria.[3]

References

Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, Cave J, et al. Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2005. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
Everitta H, Little P. How do GPs diagnose and manage acute infective conjunctivitis? Family Practice. 2002; 19: 658-660.
Rietveld RP, ter Riet G, Bindels PJ, et al. Predicting bacterial cause in infectious conjunctivitis: cohort study on informativeness of combinations of signs and symptoms. BMJ. 2004; 329: 206-210.

Glossary

bacteria: Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.