Conjunctivitis - conjunctivitis vernal, allergic, bacterial conjunctivitis, symptom, picture, treatment

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eye-lids). Conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial or viral infections allergy, or irritants such as smoke, dust or chemcals. Viruses may also cause conjunctivitis as part of general viral infections such as the common cold and measles.

Newborn babies can develop conjunctivitis caused by a variety of micro-organisms that may be present in the mother's birth canal (cervix and vagina). Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults. Often called "pink eye," it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. This tissue helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist. If the cause is gonorrhoea or chlamydia, prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious eye damage.

Symptom of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis causes redness and watering of the eyes, with prominent., dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva. The eyes usually feel gritty or itchy, and eyelids may be red and swollen. In bacterial conjunctivitis there is a yellow discharge that sticks the lids and lashes together during sleep. People with severe conjunctivitis may be excessively sensitive to light. Common Symptoms include:

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Greater amount of tears
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep (in conjunctivitis caused by bacteria)
• Other discharge from your eye (green or white)
• Itchy eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by allergies)
• Burning eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants)
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

Types of Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye and causes excessive eye watering and a light discharge.

Bacterial conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes itching and redness in the eyes and sometimes the nose, as well as excessive tearing.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) usually affects both eyes and causes contact lens intolerance, itching, a heavy discharge, tearing and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids.

Signs and Symptoms

Viral conjunctivitis

• Watery discharge
• Irritation
• Red eye
• Infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the fellow eye

Allergic conjunctivitis

• Usually affects both eyes
• Itching
• Tearing
• Swollen eyelids

Bacterial conjunctivitis

• Stringy discharge that may cause the lids to stick together, especially after sleeping
• Swelling of the conjunctiva
• Redness
• Tearing
• Irritation and/or a gritty feeling
• Usually affects only one eye, but may spread easily to the fellow eye

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Warm water can be used to remove the discharge and crusts from the lids and lashes. Antibiotic drops are used to treat bacterial infec-tions. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up spontaneously within a week. Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antiallergy drops and avoidance of anything known to cause the allergy. Infectious conjunctivitis is very contagious, especially among children. Early antibiotic treatment of Conjunctivitis helps to prevent the spread of bacterial conjunctivitis. Here are some tips to avoid spreading the conditions or re-infecting yourself:

• Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone else, and wash these items after each use.
• Don't share eyedrops or cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara. Replace them after you're healed, to avoid re-infection.
• Your eyecare practitioner may recommend that you discontinue contact lens wear during this time or replace your contact lenses after you're healed.

More Prevention Tips

• Don't touch or rub the infected eye(s).
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup.
• Don't share eye makeup with anyone else.
• Never wear another person's contact lens.
• Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
• Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels, cups, and glasses.
• Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child's eye.
• Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used for an infected one.

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