Conjunctivitis
(Diseases)
In this page, you will find everything you are looking for about Conjunctivitis
What is Conjunctivitis?
- It is one of the types of eye inflammation that affects the membrane lining the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball, called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is responsible for keeping the eyelid and inner eye moist. The inflammation may affect one or both eyes and can occur in people of all ages. It is usually accompanied by swelling and redness of the conjunctiva and is considered a fast-spreading condition, but not a serious one if diagnosed early.
- What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
- Redness of the eye.
- Swelling of the eyelid.
- An urge to rub the eyes, with itching or the sensation that something is inside the eye.
Irritation and burning sensation in the eye.
Watery or mucous discharge.
What causes Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can result from several causes, including viral or bacterial infections, as well as exposure to allergens, such as shampoo, dust, smoke, swimming pool chlorine, and chemicals. Wearing damaged or dirty contact lenses can also lead to this inflammation.
How is Conjunctivitis diagnosed?
The doctor takes a medical history and performs a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested if needed.
The eyes are examined using a special lamp to check for any swelling or inflammation. In some cases, the doctor may take a sample of the discharge for laboratory testing to determine the type of infection.
How is Conjunctivitis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include using cold compresses and moisturizing eye drops to relieve inflammation and dryness caused by conjunctivitis, stopping the use of contact lenses, using antibiotic eye drops if the infection is bacterial, or antihistamine drops if the inflammation is caused by allergens.
- How can Conjunctivitis be prevented?
- If conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, its spread to the other eye or to other people can be prevented by following these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Clean any discharge around your eyes.
- Do not use the same eye drop bottle for both the infected and uninfected eye.
Stop using contact lenses.
Do not share personal items and avoid swimming pools to prevent spreading the infection.
- What are the complications of Conjunctivitis?
- Complications of conjunctivitis are usually rare but may occur in some cases, including:
- Spread of infection: Bacterial or viral infections may spread to other parts of the eye or body.
- Keratitis: Untreated conjunctivitis may lead to keratitis, a more serious condition that can affect vision.
- Corneal scarring: In rare cases, severe conjunctivitis may cause corneal scarring, leading to vision problems.
Temporary blurred vision: Due to swelling and discharge, temporary vision impairment may occur until the inflammation is treated.
Chronic conjunctivitis: If not treated properly, the inflammation may become chronic and require long-term medical care.
Early attention and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
- When should you see a doctor?
- See your doctor if you experience:
- Eye pain.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Blurred vision that does not improve after cleaning the discharge.
- Severe redness in the eye.
- Worsening symptoms or no improvement.
No improvement after 24 hours of antibiotic use.
A weakened immune system (reduced ability to fight germs and diseases).
- Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):
- What are the types of Conjunctivitis?
- Viral Conjunctivitis: The most common type.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Highly contagious.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Not contagious and caused by an allergic reaction to irritants, such as pollen or vehicle fumes.
Do moisturizing drops help relieve symptoms?
Yes, eye drops and cold compresses can help significantly in relieving the symptoms.
