Conjunctivitis

                                                                                
 


                  Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the membrane covering the inside of  eyelids and the outer part of eye. It is generally not serious but can be highly contagious. Conjunctivitis often feels like something in eye that can't get rid of. The condition can be caused by bacteria or a virus, or by an allergic reaction or exposure to a chemical irritant.

Conjunctivitis is most often the result of viruses, such as those that cause the common cold. Other causes can be bacterial infections, allergies, chemicals, irritation from contact lenses, or eye injury. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious. Some studies suggest that the severity of the disease is significantly associated with sun exposure.

Symptom 

Conjunctivitis causes the following symptoms in one or both eyes:

• Redness and tearing
• Itching
• Swollen eyelid
• Discharge (watery or thick)
• Crust that forms overnight
• Sensitivity to light
• Gritty feeling

Treatment

Conjunctivitis commonly happen during late fall and early spring and usually attends common colds and upper respiratory tract inflections like sore throat and runny nose. Just like common colds, the condition resolves in a few days. 65% of cases subside within 2-5 days even without treatment. 

Pinkeye or conjunctivitis generally to not require hospitalization except in rare cases  of accidental chemical burns which are treated as medical emergencies that could lead to intraocular damage or severe scarring if not treated immediately. Otherwise, just like common colds, all it takes is a short visit to the doctor and a home medication regimen that simply follows your doctor’s orders that may include prescription antibiotics.

• Just like common colds caused by virus, viral conjunctivitis has no known cure and the most that you can do is to relieve the symptoms.  The most common relief is achieved though warm compress applied to the eyes. Non-prescriptive artificial tears or eye drops can also provide relief.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis also resolves without any treatment but symptomatic relief can be had with antibiotic ointment or eye drops if no improvement happens within 3-4 days.  The condition generally subsides in less than 5 days without antibiotics
• Allergy-triggered conjunctivitis are best managed with cool or cold water splashed over the face and eyes with head tilted down.  The action can constrict blood capiliaries in the eyes and wash out any chemical residue that may have caused the allergy.  Artificial tears or eye drops can sometimes provide relief in mild cases but in more server cases, the application of antihistamines or non-steroidal anti—inflammatory ointment as prescribed by your doctor has more efficacies.  Topical steroid drops can relieve persistent allergic conjunctivitis.
• Conjunctivitis caused by accidental chemical splashes is best treated with irrigating the eyes with Ringer’s lactate of saline solution.  
• You should never wear your contacts when suffering conjunctivitis.
• A swollen eye during the period may encourage you to wear eye make-up when going out, but don’t.  Cosmetics around the eyes should be avoided if you still have symptoms of conjunctivitis.  A sunglass to cover it up is better.
• Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and members of your family can easily catch one.  If you are applying ointments to a child or family member, be sure to disinfect and cleanse your hands thoroughly after each session. Refrain from sharing anything with the affected member and it may be good idea to isolate him or her from the rest of the family for the period.  Handle his or her laundry separately and disinfect surfaces, sinks, doorknobs, countertops, etc to prevent contamination.
• If you plan on traveling overseas, you may not be allowed to enter some countries, or even allowed to enter some public places where people concentration is high to avoid unnecessary spread of the infection.