What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye is a condition when the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the whole white of the eye, is inflamed. The conjunctiva produces mucus that lubricates and protects the surface of the eye. This membrane is made up of tiny blood vessels and when they become irritated the eye becomes red.

Causes

There are many causes of conjunctivitis but most common are bacterial infections, allergies and or environmental causes. Infectious conjunctivitis (viral and bacterial) can be very contagious. Bacterial conjunctiva is often found in children, which is caused by them touching their eyes with their hands that contain bacteria.

Viral conjunctivitis can occur with colds, sore throats and flu. This type of conjunctivitis can also spread and affect the cornea, which can then persist for several weeks.

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as hay fever, eczema, asthma, and stuffy or runny nose, tearing eyes and sneezing. Antigens like pollen, dust mites or cosmetics often cause this conjunctivitis.

Reactive conjunctivitis is caused by chemicals or irritants e.g. in swimming pools, smoke, gas.

Conjunctivitis in young children

Babies are susceptible to infective conjunctivitis especially babies less than 1 year of age. This type of conjunctivitis can be contracted during birth within the birth canal and may also be a chlamydeous infection. Small babies also often have poorly developed tear drainage. This can cause watery and sticky eyes and swollen eyelids.

Symptoms

·        ·        Redness of the eye

·        ·        Irritated eye

·        ·        Itching eyes

·        ·        Burning sensation

·        ·        Scratching feeling

·        ·        Discharges

·        ·        Gritty feeling

Diagnosis

A doctor can only diagnose conjunctivitis. A diagnose will be made after your eyes have been examined thoroughly and after hearing the history of the condition. Sometimes a specimen will to be taken from the eye if there is no improvement after treatment. Many diseases can be confused with conjunctivitis

so it is important to see an ophthalmologist should you have any of these symptoms or pain and or sudden blurriness in your eye.

Treatment

Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic drops or ointments. The eyes should be cleaned daily with cotton wool soaked in cooled boiled water to remove any stickiness. Good eye hygiene leads to quicker recovery.

For viral conjunctivitis there is no effective treatment but the eyes should be kept clean and lubricated. As this condition can be contagious it is of uppermost importance to carry out strict eye and hand hygiene to prevent spreading the condition to others.

Conjunctivitis in small children should be taken seriously. Treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis. Good eye hygiene is important for children to help cure the condition as quickly as possible.

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually treated with antihistamine drops. These drops need to be used over a period in order to achieve good results. The best treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is to identify the source of allergic response and avoid those allergens.

Prevention

Good hygiene of hands, face and eyes can help prevent conjunctivitis and the spreading of conjunctivitis from one eye to another and from one person to another.

Eye hygiene method

Gently massage the outside of the eyelids (eyes closed) with a hand towel (or cotton buds) soaked in warm water or a mild baby shampoo at least once a day. Hygienic eye care pads can also be used and are ideal for babies, children and adults.

If you have conjunctivitis it is recommended that you do not share your towel with others and to wash it frequently - avoiding spreading the condition.