Conjunctivitis: Home
Conjunctivitis:
What is it?
One of the most common and easily treatable eye infections is conjunctivitis. It can affect both children and adults but is especially common in children under five. It is usually prone to people who have allergic conditions. Conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection that is caused by a bacteria or virus, but it can develop into a more serious condition. It is the most common cause of red eye and is quite contagious.
If left untreated, conjunctivitis can create serious complications, such as infections in the cornea, lids, and tear ducts. Many times, with the help of a doctor, ocular allergies and conjunctivitis can be controlled.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Allergies, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, or underlying health conditions can cause conjunctivitis.
Chemical conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants such as, air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by allergic reactions to distinctive substances such as fumes, cosmetics, drugs, dust mites, air born chemicals, and many others.
Giant Papillary conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by the chronic presence of a foreign body in the eye.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by certain bacteria that have made their way to the eye.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
A case of pink eye may produce the following symptoms:
- redness in one or both eyes, itchiness in one or both eyes
- blurred vision and light sensitivity and gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust at night
After an incubation period of about 5 to 12 days, conjunctiva l hyperemia, watery discharge, and ocular irritation usually begin in one eye and spread rapidly to the other. Symptoms may last anywhere from several days to two weeks.
Conjunctivitis & Vision
If you are affected by conjunctivitis, your vision should not be affected although the excessive secretions of tears may cause temporary obscured or blurred vision in some instances. This usually passes.
Sometimes if conjunctivitis goes on for an extended period of time, corticosteroid drops may be used although these should only be administered under the supervision of an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
Use of extended wear contact lenses is associated with a greater risk of corneal infection that can be serious resulting in loss of vision.
If the infection goes deeply enough to enter the eye, vision can be permanently damaged.
Conjunctivitis Treatment
Treatment of conjunctivitis varies with the cause. It is usually treated with antibacterial eye drops or ointment, which can be obtained from a pharmacist.
Although usually treated with topical antibiotics, treatment may need to include systemic antibiotics in more serious cases.
Treatment with corticosteroids can prolong the course of the disease and place the patient at risk for other steroid-induced ocular complications, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
There is no effective treatment for viral conjunctivitis but the eyes can be made more comfortable by using a lubricant ointment.
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Disclaimer: This is a health information website. It is intended for personal education and information only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. In all cases it should not replace the advice of your medical doctor or health professional.
Conjunctivitis
