The diagnosis is based on the red, swollen appearance of the eye, accompanied by an eye swab.
EKC is a self-limiting disease that resolves on its own.
Treatment focused on easing symptoms and preventing the further spread of infection.
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This article describes the causes and symptoms of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, including how the infection is diagnosed and treated.
What Are Symptoms of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivis?
Prodromal Phase
Prodromerefers to the non-specific, generalized early symptoms that precede the onset of a disease.
Until symptoms fully resolve, the virus is still considered contagious.
Chronic Phase
The chronic phase affects 50% of people with EKC.
It is the period during which the immune system is actively reining and eventually resolves the infection.
While the damage is rarely permanent, the symptoms can be aggravating.
Other rare but possible complications includeastigmatismin which vision is blurred due to changes in the shape of the cornea.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis?
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis can be triggered by many different adenoviruses.
Adenoviruses thrive in the eyes, nasal passages, saliva, and respiratory tract.
Theincubation periodthe time from exposure to symptomscan last from two to 14 days.
How Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Is Diagnosed
EKC can usually be diagnosed with a simpleeye exam.
The practitioner may also check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
In most cases, treatment would begin if the symptoms are uncomplicated.
Because of the low specificity, there is a risk of a false-positive result.
The swab test is non-invasive but may cause discomfort.
An anesthetic eyedrop may be used for people who dislike having their eyeballs touched.
How Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Is Treated
EKC infections usually resolve on their own without treatment.
At present, there are no oral or topical antiviral drugs able to dump the infection.
Treatment is primarily focused on the relief of symptoms and the prevention of complications.
Children with EKC should stay home from school until symptoms have resolved.
Adults can continue to go to work as long as they continue to adhere to infection control measures.
Symptoms include eye redness, discomfort, tearing, swelling, and blurring.
From start to finish, EKC infections usually last two weeks.
The treatment of EKC is focused on easing symptoms with eye drops and cold compresses.
Handwashing and isolation are two key ways to prevent passing the virus to others.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis: prevention strategies in the clinic.
Chigbu DI, Labib BA.Pathogenesis and management of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.Infect Drug Resist.
2019;38(8):1062-7. doi:10.1097/ico.0000000000001982
