Interaction of Conjunctivitis and Glaucoma

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
I have a bad cold and developed viral conjunctivitis. I also have open-angle glaucoma. Can the conjunctivitis adversely affect the pressure in my eye?

Answer:
Generally an upper respiratory tract infection associated with a viral conjunctivitis does not affect the eye pressure. In some circumstances, if the eye becomes extremely congested, the eye pressure could increase a small amount, but this would not be typical. If you have concerns about the nature of your eye, it is important to see your Eye M.D. for a full evaluation.

Answered by: Louis B. Cantor, MD

Categories: Eye Infections, Glaucoma

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