The symptoms most frequently occur in children as part of an upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses. The symptoms usually subside within a few days without any special treatment. Bacteria are less frequently the cause of conjunctivitis. Foreign bodies in the eye or allergic reactions can also cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. The rare keratoconjunctivitis epidemica is caused by adenoviruses and is very contagious.

Treatment depends on the cause.

There is no causal therapy for conjunctivitis caused by viruses, and antibiotic eye drops in particular are not suitable. The eyes can be cleaned with boiled water or saline solution from the outside to the inside with compresses. Artificial tears" can be useful to improve the symptoms. The use of camomile, grasses and medicinal herbs on the eye can trigger allergies and is therefore not recommended. In the case of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

In case of high fever, severe pain in the eye or deterioration of vision, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or ophthalmologist.

In the case of mild or subsiding infections of the upper respiratory tract with irritation of the conjunctiva, exclusion from attending a communal facility is not necessary in principle.

Children with conjunctivitis in the context of an acute febrile cold should not attend a community facility in order to protect other children.

Re-admission to a community facility is not dependent on the administration of antibiotic eye drops or a medical certificate.

In accordance with § 34 IfSG, the community facility informs the public health department about the occurrence of two or more related serious illnesses.