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Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva and is often caused by infectious agents (such as bacteria or viruses) or allergens. Unlike other ocular conditions that may have a genetic or hereditary component, conjunctivitis is not typically inherited. It is commonly associated with environmental factors and exposure to pathogens rather than familial predisposition.

In contrast, conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts have well-documented familial patterns. For instance, certain types of glaucoma are known to run in families, and individuals with a family history of macular degeneration have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves. Cataracts can also have hereditary factors, particularly in cases where congenital cataracts occur. Thus, while family history can play a significant role in the risk assessment for those conditions, conjunctivitis is primarily influenced by external factors rather than genetic ones.