What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. Conjunctivitis has several causes and affects people of all ages.
What causes conjunctivitis?
Three main types of conjunctivitis: infectious, allergic, and chemical.
- Infectious conjunctivitis: also known as “pink eye” – is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: caused by your body’s allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals, or fabrics.
- Chemical conjunctivitis: irritants like air pollution, noxious fumes, and chlorine in swimming pools may produce chemical conjunctivitis.
What are the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis?
Common signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis are red eyes, inflamed inner lids, watery eyes, blurred vision and sandy or scratchy feeling in the eyes. With the infectious form, there may be a yellow or watery discharge around the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is often associated with stringy white mucous and itchiness.
What measure can be taken to prevent spreading this condition?
To avoid giving infectious conjunctivitis to others:
- Keep your hands away from your eyes
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands frequently
- Do not share pillows, towels, wash cloths, cosmetics, or eye drops with others
- Seek treatment promptly if you think you have conjunctivitis
Small children who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, daycare, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.
Will conjunctivitis harm my eyes?
Certain forms of conjunctivitis can develop into a more serious condition that may affect your vision. It’s important to have your condition diagnosed and properly treated.
How is infectious conjunctivitis treated?
Infectious conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment. Other infectious forms caused by viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics. They are fought off by your body’s own immune system.
Treatment for a viral infection can be artificial tears, warm compresses, and possibly antihistamine or steroid eye drops.
How are the allergic and chemical forms of conjunctivitis treated?
Seasonal allergies
Remedies can involve oral, over-the-counter antihistamine medications. Further comfort can be achieved by placing a clean face cloth soaked in ice-cold water over closed eyes.
Over-the-counter artificial teardrops and antihistamine eye drops can also help reduce red, itchy and watery eyes. Prescription medications should be considered for more severe allergy symptoms. Eye drops that combine an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer work best by providing immediate and long-term relief.
Chemical conjunctivitis
The ideal treatment is to remove the cause of the irritation. For instance, if chlorinated water irritates your eyes, wear swimming goggles. In cases where these measures don’t work, other types of prescription and over-the-counter eye drops are available to help relieve the discomfort.