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Conjunctivitis (sometimes known as "pink eye) refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that lines the eyeball, and inflammation of this layer may be due to infections or allergies.
 Infective conjunctivitis may be caused by both viruses, bacteria and rarely by fungi or parasites. Allergic conjunctivitis is due to an allergic reaction, more common in individuals with general hypersensitivity (atopy), and hence, is commonly associated with conditions like asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. In babies, conjunctivitis may sometimes be due to an incompletely opened tear duct.
What Are The Symptoms?
• redness in the whites of the affected eye(s) and inner eyelid(s)
• burning sensation or gritty sensation in the eye(s)
• increased tearing
• yellow/green discharge from the affected eye(s). This is typical of bacterial conjunctivitis.
• itchy eyes (in allergic conjunctivitis)
• increased sensitivity to light
• blurred vision
How Is Conjunctivitis Treated?
Treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis, ie whether it is infective (and if so, what kind of infection) or due to an allergic reaction.
Viral conjunctivitis:
There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis, however, symptomatic relieve may achieved by using lubricant eye drops (artificial tears) and cold compress.
Bacterial conjunctivitis:
Topical antibiotics (as eye drops or ointments/creams) and often given to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Contact lens wearers are particularly prone to bacterial infections if proper contact lens care is not taken. These infections can be severe, sometimes resulting in the formation of corneal ulcers. If not immediately recognized and treated, these ulcers can lead to permanent corneal scarring and visual impairment. Read about contact lenses.
Allergic conjunctivitis:
The best treatment is avoidance of known triggers, however, this is not always practical. Applying cool compresses to the eyes and taking oral antihistamines may help. In more severe cases, doctors sometimes prescribe the following:
• antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops
• eye drops which prevent the release of histamine by mast cells
• steroid-containing eye drops for very severe reactions
How to prevent spreading infective conjunctivitis?
• Avoid touching or rubbing the infected eye(s)
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching eyes
• Avoid sharing face towels
• Wash bed linen, pillowcases and towels in detergent and hot water
• Do not use share eye drops
• Avoid sharing eye makeup
• Clean crusted discharge with cotton balls soaked in water. Used cotton balls are to be discarded and hands washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Children with infective conjunctivitis should be kept at home and not be allowed to return to school or childcare, until no longer contagious.
Find an Ophthalmologist
The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Please see your doctor for professional advice.
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