Conjunctivitis, also referred to as “pink eye,” is a common eye disease that can afflict anybody at any age. This eye condition has specific symptoms and can be brought on by a number of different things. Although conjunctivitis is frequently mild and self-limiting, controlling and avoiding its spread requires a thorough awareness of its origins, symptoms, and available treatments.
An infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the sclera, the white portion of the eye, and lines the inside of the eyelids, is known as conjunctivitis. It acts as a barrier of defence and houses blood arteries that feed the eye with nourishment. The distinctive redness and pain of conjunctivitis can result from irritation or infection of the conjunctiva.
Conjunctivitis may have a variety of causes, including:
- Bacterial: The bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus frequently cause bacterial conjunctivitis. It is extremely infectious and causes an eye discharge that is yellow or green.
- Viral: Adenoviruses are the most frequent source of viral conjunctivitis, which is extremely infectious and frequently follows an upper respiratory illness (the common cold). One or both eyes may be impacted, and a watery discharge is a typical symptom.
- Irritants: Conjunctivitis can result from irritation of the conjunctiva brought on by chemicals, contaminants, or foreign objects. It’s not communicable to have this kind of conjunctivitis.
- Allergies: Allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander cause allergic conjunctivitis to develop. It causes redness, tears, and itching, which are frequently accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose.
These are the common causes of conjunctivitis, there are also chances of the spread of this disease by sharing eye wears like contact lenses.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
- Redness in either one eye or both eyes.
- itching
- Excessive tearing
- Watery discharge
Diagnosis and Treatment
Conjunctivitis is normally diagnosed after a careful eye examination by a medical expert. In rare circumstances, they could collect an eye discharge sample for laboratory analysis to pinpoint the precise reason.
Diagnosis and treatment is depended on the type of cause
- To treat bacterial conjunctivitis, ocular drops or ointments containing antibiotics are frequently administered. Even if symptoms subside sooner, it’s essential to finish the whole course of antibiotics to avoid recurrence.
- Within a week or two, viral conjunctivitis often goes away on its own. Lubricating eye drops may ease irritation, although most viral infections are typically resistant to the majority of antiviral drugs.
- Symptoms can be relieved by removing the irritating source and washing the affected eye with fresh water.
- Antihistamine eye drops and avoiding allergens can also help control allergic conjunctivitis. Artificial tears sold over the counter could also be able to help.
Even though it can sometimes be infectious and irritating, conjunctivitis is normally a treatable eye ailment. In addition to preventive measures, prompt diagnosis and treatment can aid in symptom relief, infection prevention, and the promotion of eye health. For advice and treatment, speak with a healthcare provider if you think you may have conjunctivitis or feel ongoing eye irritation.
Reference: CDC
Image source: BioRender.com
Published on: 22/08/23
Updated on:
