Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis - (Pinkeye)

Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Viral Conjunctivitis
Fungal Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis
Conventional Treatment
Self Treatment

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Conventional Treatment
Self Treatment

Bacterial Conjunctivitis
   The symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis are a thick discharge from the eye that contains pus, and crusty eyelids that may require prying apart after sleeping.  The underside of the eyelid turns deep red and feels very sore.  The white part of the eye also turns red and bloodshot.  Bacterial conjunctivitis is common in young children who's hand washing skills haven't quite developed.

Viral Conjunctivitis
    Viral conjunctivitis is more common in adults than children.  Unlike the bacterial infection, viral conjunctivitis can originate in the eye, or start as a virus causing a cold or sore throat.  The discharge is usually less sticky than bacterial conjunctivitis.  The conjunctiva under the eyelids is red, and often has small raised bumps.  The eyes hurt and turn red.  Viral conjunctivitis can not be cured with antibiotics and usually goes away after a few days.

Fungal Conjunctivitis
    Fungal infections of the conjunctiva occur especially in people whose immune system isn't working properly, such as someone with cancer or AIDS or someone taking immune supressants, such as after an organ transplant.  Fungal conjunctivitis is very hard to diagnose yourself and can be very dangerous.  If you have any symptoms of conjunctivits while being treated for cancer or AIDS, or if you are on an immune suppressant, see your doctor immediately.

Allergic Conjunctivitis
    Allergic conjunctivitis is pinkeye caused by allergy.  Unlike the painful infections of the conjunctiva, allergic reactions itch.  The sclera may become red, but the underside of the eyelid remains pale.  Commonly, allergic reactions also include a watery discharge, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms.  This may be treated with antihistamines or eye drops that block allergic reactions.

Conventional Treatment

• Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics.
• Viral conjunctivitis can be treated with anti-virals, but is usually left untreated since it clears up so well on its own.  Some doctors have recommended steroid ointment or eye drops to aid in stopping inflammation in viral conjunctivitis, but if the infection is caused by the herpes virus, steroids will only make it worse.
• Fungal conjunctivitis is treated with anti-fungal medication.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is treated symptomatically by reducing inflammation of the conjunctiva, and also treating the rest of the allergy symptoms.

Self Treatment

• A hot compress 2 - 3 times a day
• For allergic conjunctivitis, use a cold compress to reduce itching
• See a doctor if pinkeye does not clear up in a few days

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
    Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) often appears in in people who wear conventional soft contact-lenses and is a chronic allergic reaction of the conjunctiva on the upper eyelid.  The conjunctiva can also be irritated by a surgical suture or other foreign object in the eye. This condition is not harmful to your vision or the health of the eye.  Itching, a white mucus discharge, contacts that feel dry and move around when you blink, and a milky ringlike stain on the contact-lens that cannot be removed are symptoms of GPC.  When inspected under a microscope, one sees that the inside of the eyelid is covered with tiny grey bumps, papillae, that are only "giant" when compared with similar disorders.

Conventional Treatment

• Discontinue use of contact-lenses until symptoms disappear
• Lenses may need to be professionally cleaned and polished to remove deposits that caused the GPC
• Consider changing the type of lenses you wear - gas-permiable lenses and disposable soft contacts are less likely to cause GPC
• Possibly change contact-lens solution to one that contains no preservatives
• Itching may be aided with perscription eye drops

Self Treatment

• Discontinue use of contact-lenses until symptoms disappear
• Follow lens cleaning instructions given by your doctor
• Protein buildup, one of the possible causes of GPC, can be prevented by the use of an enzyme cleaner every week
• Enzyme cleaners will prevent protein buildup, one of the possible causes of GPC
• For dry eyes use a contact lens lubricant

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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