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
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 08, 2009