Conjunctivitis
Eye infections are contaminations of the eye caused by microbiological agents such as bacteria, virus or fungi. Eye infections may be unilateral or bilateral (infections that is affecting one or both the eyes), and the infections may
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is defined as the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball). Conjunctivitis is also called as ‘pink eye’ because the inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, and thus cast pink or red color to the whites. Conjunctivitis affects people at all ages.1 Conjunctivitis is caused due to various kinds of bacteria, virus or fungi. Certain environmental factors are also responsible in causing conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be classified as infectious or noninfectious. Infectious conjunctivitis is further classified based on the type of the infecting organism (bacteria, virus or fungi).
Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Sign and symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The symptoms are usually mild but if untreated it may lead to serious complications. Some of the signs and symptoms are enumerated below.1
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Bacteria, fungi or viruses can cause conjunctivitis. At times, allergic agents, irritants (chemicals or foreign bodies in the eye), overexposure to sunlight and toxic agents are also implicated as the causative agents. The causative agent
Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis
Diagnosis of Conjunctivits
Diagnosis of conjunctivitis is based on past medical and personal history, presenting signs and symptoms and other diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests for conjunctivitis include eye examination and microbiological analysis.
Treatment of Conjunctivitis
Treatment of Conjunctivitis
The course of the treatment is dependent on the cause.
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment is recommended for bacterial infections and entire course of the medications should be completed to prevent the recurrence of infection.
- Ocular decongestants, antiinflammatory and antiallergic medicines may be prescribed for conjunctivitis caused due to an allergy or inflammation.1
Prevention of Conjunctivitis
Prevention of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, if good hygiene is not maintained. Hygienic practices are surely helpful in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis. Some of the following points are very useful in prevention of conjunctivitis
Do’s and Do nots
- First off, do call your doctor
- Always take the medicine given to you for the specified amount of time
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often so you don't possibly spread it to someone else
- If you wear make-up, don't share it with anyone
- Do your best not to rub your eyes
- Use a moist washcloth to wipe away any discharge that gathers in your eye
Advice from your physician
- Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops if the infection is bacterial. Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eyedrops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children. Be sure to use the medication for the entire time your doctor prescribes it, to prevent recurrence of the infection.
- Viral conjunctivitis can't be treated with antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Like a common cold, you can use an over-the-counter remedy to relieve some symptoms, but the virus just has to run its course. You may notice a worsening of symptoms in the first three to five days. After that, your signs and symptoms should gradually clear on their own. It may take up to two to three weeks from the time you were infected for the virus to go away.
- If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe one of the many types of eyedrops, including antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 27, 2012