Eyesight, an Insight - Insight - Diseases

There are three main causes of conjunctivitis:

bacterial
viral
allergic

Conjunctival inflammation gives the eye a reddish tinge commonly known as pinkeye.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is probably the least common of the three, but the most symptomatic. Similar to the other types, the eyes will be red and burny, but the discharge will be a thick pus discharge. These are usually self-limited (resolve on their own), but will clear up quicker on antibiotic drops. And, in some more severe cases (gonorrheal), oral antibiotics may be needed.

Viral conjunctivitis is what is most commonly meant when "pink eye" is mentioned. It can be caused by many viruses, is very contagious, and can last several weeks. Most cases are caused by adenovirus, which can also give you a sore throat and nasal congestion. This type is particularly contagious and can run through epidemic proportions through and office or community. It commonly only has a watery discharge, but can have very swollen lids and very red eyes.

As with common colds, we have no effective treatment against these viruses. Therefore, we have to just let these cases run their course. A cool compress will sometimes help with the itching and swelling, and a topical antihistamine drop may help relieve some symptoms. The most important thing to remember is that the condition is contagious for two weeks, and that the virus can be "live" on a surface for many hours. So, when at home or at work, you must clean off everything you come in contact with to prevent more cases occurring.

A more rare type of viral conjunctivitis, herpes, can be particularly severe. It can involve the cornea and the lids as well. As opposed to other viruses, it can be treated with anti-viral drops. If you have a history of oral (cold sores) or genital herpes, and you develop a painful, red eye, it's a good idea to see your ophthalmologist to rule out ocular herpes.

Allergic conjunctivitis is also very common and is associated with makeup, pollen, ragweed, air pollutants, smoke, soap, hairspray, chlorine, cleaning fluid, or many different medications. These are not contagious and are treated with removing exposure to the offending agents and with antihistamines. The diagnosis of these three conditions can be made by an ophthalmologist by exam only, or sometimes using a culture of the discharge.

The important steps you can do are to prevent more infections in your community and in yourself in the future. Again, two weeks is generally the contagious period, and in this time you should be washing your hands frequently. You should be careful in public areas and avoid activities such as swimming. After the episode is over, you should throw out the drops you were using, and any other things you were using around the eyes (makeup, contact lenses). It should be a matter of time before things are back to normal. If you do noticed a severe amount of pain, fever, very blurry vision, or pain with moving the eyes, you should contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

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

Avoiding the cause of conjunctivitis if possible is the best remedy. While we don't always have success staying away from bacterial and viral infections, avoiding allergic conjunctivitis is much easier. Keep your windows and doors closed on days when pollen is heavy. Dust and vacuum frequently to alleviate potential allergens in the home. Stay in well-ventilated areas if you're exposed to smoke, chemicals or fumes.

Antibiotic eyedrops will alleviate bacterial conjunctivitis only, and antihistamine allergy medications or eyedrops will help control allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. If you are diagnosed with the bacterial or viral form, warm compresses may help, while cold compresses may help with the allergic conjunctivitis.

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are easily spread to other people. 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, and replace them after you're healed to avoid re-infection. Your eyecare practitioner may recommend you discontinue contact lens wear during this time, or replacing your contact lenses after you're healed.

Usually conjunctivitis is a minor eye infection, but it has the possibility to develop into a more serious condition. See your eyecare practitioner for a diagnosis before using any eyedrops in your medicine cabinet from previous infections or eye conditions.

3. Do not share make-up. If the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus you must throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up.

4. Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the good eye.

Source(s): All above information & images are based on an article written by Gretchyn Bailey, allaboutvision.com and from data available at lib-sh.lsumc.edu. All rights reserved by respective owners.

Disclaimer: Any information displayed here is just for educational purposes, and may not be taken as an expert advice and should not be applied in life without consulting your eye doctor/specialist. We here by take no responsiblity of the accuracy of the above content as they have been taken from various sources.