Definition |
Symptoms |
Treatment
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin
membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of
the eyelid. The inflamed conjunctiva will usually make the eye
appear red or pink because the tiny blood vessels that are
normally within the conjunctiva are now irritated and enlarged.
The white of the eye (sclera) is covered by a
thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva which produces mucus
to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. It normally has
fine blood vessels within it, which can be seen on close
inspection. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed,
the blood vessels which supply it enlarge and become much more
prominent, and the eye turns red.
There are many different sources of eye irritation that can
cause conjunctivitis. Bacterial infections can cause a red eye
which is associated with a pus or discharge from the eye, or
they can cause a red eye which is associated with crusting of
the eyelashes with little or no discharge.
Viruses can cause conjunctivitis, such as the
familiar red eyes, sore throat, and runny nose of a common cold.
Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery discharge and
lasts from one to two weeks. Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly
known as "pink eye," can be quite contagious. Cloth
handkerchiefs and towels should not be shared during this time.
Handwashing will also help prevent the spread of this infection.
Allergies can also cause a conjunctivitis
which produces a discharge. Allergies, like hay fever, can make
the eyes itchy. Other allergies may only produce a chronic red
eye. Environmental irritants such as smoke or fumes may cause
conjunctivitis. Any type of conjunctivitis is aggravated by
dryness of the eyes.
- Pinkness or redness in the eye
- Inflamed inner eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Sandy or scratchy feeling in the eye
- Pus or watery discharge from the eye
The symptoms described above may not necessarily
mean that you have conjunctivitis. However, if you experience
one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a
complete exam.
If you think you might have conjunctivitis, you should
- Keep your hands away from your eyes;
- Thoroughly wash hands before and after
applying eye medications;
- Do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics
or eyedrops with others;
- Seek treatment promptly.
- Small children, who may forget these
precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the
swimming pool until the condition is cured.
Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria,
is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment.
Other infectious forms, caused by viruses, can't be treated with
antibiotics. They must be fought off by your body's immune
system. But some antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent
secondary bacterial infections from developing.
When treating allergic and chemical forms of
conjunctivitis, the cause of the allergy or irritation must
first be removed. For instance, avoid contact with any animal if
it causes an allergic reaction. Wear swimming goggles if
chlorinated water irritates your eyes. In cases where these
measures won't work, prescription and over-the-counter eye drops
are available to help relieve the discomfort.
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