[Conjunctivitis and lacrimal apparatus infections].

The term conjunctivitis covers all inflammatory processes affecting the conjunctiva. Bacterial and viral infections are the most frequent causes. Infectious conjunctivitis is rarely severe in industrialized countries, but trachomatous kerato-conjunctivitis is still the main cause of blindness all over the world. Most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis are treated with topical antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis is frequent and, with the exception of herpetic conjunctivitis, has no specific treatment. Canaliculitis and dacryocystitis are rare but require specialized examination, treatment and follow-up.