What is the term for inflammation of the conjunctiva?

The term for inflammation of the conjunctiva is conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that covers the front part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it leads to conjunctivitis, which can result in symptoms such as redness, itching, tearing, and discharge from the eye. This condition is commonly caused by infections, allergies, or irritants and can be viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different conditions: blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelid margins, uveitis involves inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), and retinitis refers to inflammation of the retina. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in ocular health.