Conjunctivitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Conjunctivitis Definition

Inflammation of the conjunctiva may be characterized by redness and often accompanied by a discharge. Inflammation of the conjunctiva are the membrane on the inner part of the eyelids and the membrane covering the white of the eye. Chronic conjunctivitis may result in degenerative changes to the eyelids. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious, but are also self-limiting after a couple of weeks duration.

Chlamydia is a form a bacterial that is an uncommon form of pink eye in the U.S., but is very common in Africa and the Middle Eastern countries. Conjunctivitis is also called atopic conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis Causes

Conjunctivitis may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection; by certain environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, or pollen; or by other factors. Conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction to a substance. The bacteria that most commonly cause pink eye arestaphylococcus, pneumococcus, and streptococcus. It is very common since the conjunctiva is exposed to many substances that may be caused infection or an allergic reaction.

The most common causative organisms may be the following:

• bacterial
• chlamydial
• viral

Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection, it can usually be transmitted to other people quite easily. Allergies may also cause a conjunctivitis which produces a discharge. Allergies, like hay fever, can make the eyes itchy.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis can range from mild to serious. The symptoms are due to release of histamine and other active substances by mast cells , which stimulate dilation of blood vessels. In acute bacterial conjunctivitis, the infection usually lasts only 2 weeks. The patient typically complains of burning and the sensation of a foreign body in his eye.

The other symptoms of the conjuntivitis may be included:

• eye pain
• swelling
• redness
• runny nose
• Blurred vision
• itching of the eye
• Pinkness or redness in the eye
• gritty feeling in the eye
• Inflamed inner eyelids
• Sandy or scratchy feeling in the eye
• Pus or watery discharge from the eye
• moderate to large amount ofdischarge

Conjunctivitis Treatments

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends upon the cause. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is by avoiding the allergen.

Viral conjunctivitis resists treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotic eyedrops may prevent secondary infection.

Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops , is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eyedrops with others persons.