Conjunctivitis

What is conjunctivitis?

The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent mucus membrane that covers the sclera (the white part of your eye) and the under surface of the eyelids. When it becomes inflamed, it is called conjunctivitis.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

1. Sore eye

2. Redness of eye

3. Tearing

4. Mucoid discharge

5. Crusting of eyelashes in the morning

What are the causes of conjunctivitis?

Because there are many different causes, conjunctivitis can be difficult to diagnose. The most common causes of conjunctivitis include:

1. Infections (viral or bacterial)

2. Allergens

3. Environmental irritants

4. Toxic chemicals introduced to eye

The most common cause of conjunctivitis in adults is a viral infection. These can be the same viruses that are responsible for colds, causing additional systemic symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and runny nose. Symptoms of conjunctivitis can last from 1-2 weeks and then gradually disappear on their own over time. Sometimes inflammatory cells can invade the cornea after the initial infection thereby necessitating eye drops for treatment. However, for the most part, viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with topical antibiotics. Treatment is targeted at symptomatic relief, including cold compresses applied to the eyes and avoiding bright lights.

Less common in adults, conjunctivitis may be due to a bacterial infection from such organisms as staphylococcus or streptococcus. These cases are typically characterized by considerable amounts of discharge draining from the eye. Other types cause less discharge and are more chronic in nature. In these bacterial cases, topical antibiotics are an appropriate treatment option.

Regardless of the type of infection, both causes are highly contagious and proper hygiene is strongly encouraged. Additionally, avoiding physical contact with others, such as hand shaking, is advised. Finally, conjunctivitis starts in one eye but typically spreads to the other eye via touching. Therefore it is important to constantly remind yourself not to touch the unaffected eye in order to minimize spreading the pathogen.

Unlike infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It occurs when the body is exposed to an external irritant which triggers an allergic response characterized by tearing, redness, puffy eyes, and itchiness. Usually the ocular symptoms are in conjunction with other systemic signs such as a runny nose or sneezing. There are a variety of eye drops and oral medications that can be used to control and stop the symptoms, many of which are now available over-the-counter.

How is conjunctivitis treated?

Environmental irritants like smoke, fumes, and wind, may also cause conjunctivitis. The symptoms are usually similar to those of allergic conjunctivitis. Should a toxic chemical enter the eye, it is important to immediately rinse the eye out with as much tap water as possible and seek medical attention. Examination of the eye after chemical exposure includes pH testing to ensure no chemicals remain.

While conjunctivitis causes a red eye and will usually resolve on its own, not all red eyes are due to conjunctivitis. If your eye redness extends for more than a few days, it is important to seek the help of an ophthalmologist to ensure the redness is not from an alternate or more serious ocular condition.