Name of the Condition

• Commonly known as Viral Conjunctivitis; also referred to as "pink eye."

Summary

• Viral conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It is often termed "pink eye" due to the reddish or pink appearance it gives the eyes. It is highly contagious.

Causes

• Viral conjunctivitis is typically caused by viruses, most commonly adenoviruses. It can also occur as part of a systemic viral infection such as a cold or flu.

Risk Factors

• Close contact with infected individuals
• Crowded environments like schools or daycare centers
• Poor hand hygiene
• Seasonal allergies and recent upper respiratory infections

Symptoms

• Red or pink discoloration of the eyes
• Watery discharge from the eyes
• Itching or burning sensation
• Gritty feeling in the eye
• Swollen eyelids

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical examination of the eye and patient history.
• In some cases, swabs may be taken for laboratory analysis to rule out bacterial infections.

Treatment Options

• Viral conjunctivitis is often self-limiting; symptoms may resolve within one to two weeks without specific treatment.
• Artificial tears and cold compresses may alleviate symptoms.
• Antiviral medication is rarely required unless associated with a herpes simplex virus.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The outlook for viral conjunctivitis is generally good, with most cases resolving without complications.
• Follow-up is typically not necessary unless symptoms persist beyond two weeks or worsen.

Complications

• Secondary bacterial infection
• Corneal involvement leading to keratitis, which may require medical treatment

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
• Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or cosmetics.
• Disinfect surfaces in common areas to prevent the spread of infection.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent symptoms beyond two weeks
• Severe pain or vision changes
• Sensitivity to light
• Suspected foreign body in the eye

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (https://www.aao.org)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Conjunctivitis (https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct usage of ICD code B30.9 for unspecified viral conjunctivitis.
• Accurately differentiate from bacterial or allergic conjunctivitis to avoid coding errors.
• Verify there are no additional related symptoms or complications that might require separate coding.