What is the medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva?

The medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva is conjunctivitis. This condition is characterized by redness, swelling, and irritation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors, including infections (viral or bacterial), allergies, or irritants.

Understanding the context of the other terms can help clarify why conjunctivitis is the correct answer. Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, which presents with symptoms similar to conjunctivitis but involves a different part of the eye. Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelid margins, which can lead to swelling and irritation of the eyelids but does not directly involve the conjunctiva. Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, and is typically more severe than conjunctivitis and has different underlying causes and implications.