Conjunctivitis
Symptoms
- Bold vascular network
- Burning sensation in the eye
- Itching
Diagnostics
Determined by routine eye examination
Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Eyewash
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane covering the eye and the inside of the eyelid, causing redness, swelling and burning sensations.
A relatively common inflammation that affects the thin layer of tissue called the conjunctiva (covering the front part of the eye and the inner surfaces of the eyelids) in one or both eyes, causing inflammation. It is also known as ‘pink eye’.
Conjunctivitis is divided into five main types, each caused by different causes:
- Viral conjunctivitis;
- Bacterial conjunctivitis;
- Chlamydia conjunctivitis;
- Allergic conjunctivitis;
- Reactive conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis due to a viral infection or bacteria is highly contagious. It is easily spread through the air, so if you are around people with the disease, you must avoid direct contact with them and take meticulous care of your hygiene.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms of conjunctivitis:
- Redness, bold vascular network, swelling;
- Burning sensation in the eye; sensation like “eyes filled with gravel”;
- Itching;
- Eyelashes that stick together and crinkle – when you wake up, your eyes feel as if they’re glued together, making it hard to open your eyes.
Contact an eye specialist, such as a general practitioner, immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: eye pain, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, or severe redness of the eyes. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious disorder.
What causes conjunctivitis?
There are three main causes of pink eye: infection, allergic reaction or irritation.
- Infection – can be bacterial or viral;
- Allergic reactions – for example to pollen. This usually causes itching;
- Irritation – when the eye comes into contact with an irritant such as shampoo, chlorinated water or fallen eyelashes;
- Other causes of inflammation lead to different symptoms and corresponding courses of treatment.
How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?
Conjunctivitis is diagnosed after a standard eye examination. Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis and the symptoms.
What help is available?
Conjunctivitis does not always require treatment, as symptoms usually improve after a couple of weeks. The course of treatment depends on what caused the disease. Antibiotics in the form of drops may be needed to cure the infection, or antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis. Otherwise, it’s best not to irritate your eyes – avoid wearing contact lenses or eye make-up until the conjunctivitis is gone.
Conjunctivitis in babies and children can be caused by different reasons, just like in adults. Once doctors are sure that it is definitely conjunctivitis, they will prescribe appropriate treatment. Attention! It is not recommended to clean your eyes with herbal decoctions, as various herbal decoctions can also contain bacteria and can often cause allergic reactions. As conjunctivitis is so common in children, the following prophylaxis is recommended:
- Remind your child not to touch their eyes with their hands;
- Wash your baby’s and child’s hands thoroughly;
- Keep your child out of kindergarten or school during treatment, as conjunctivitis can infect other children;
- If conjunctivitis is accompanied by a runny nose or a sore throat, it is not only the eyes that need to be looked after – general treatment is also very important.
Take care of your eyes!
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Frequently asked questions
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Conjunctivitis due to a viral infection or bacteria is highly contagious. It is easily spread through the air, so if you are around people with the disease, you must avoid direct contact with them and take meticulous care of your hygiene.
How to prevent conjunctivitis?
To prevent conjunctivitis, follow these simple tips:
– Wash your hands often;
– Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze;
– Stop touching and rubbing your eyes;
– Never use other people’s contact lenses, cosmetics, or towels, and don’t let other people use yours;
– Always remove your contact lenses before going for a swim in a lake or at the sea;
– Maintain your contact lenses properly.
How is conjunctivitis treated ?
The course of treatment for conjunctivitis depends on what caused the disease. Irrigating drops are usually used to relieve discomfort (eye drops, ointments, saline washes). Anti-inflammatory drops, antibiotic drops, ointments, antihistamines may also be used to treat conjunctivitis.
