Conjunctivitis: Do you have red/pink eye? It can be Conjunctivitis

What is pink eye or conjunctivitis?

Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye is termed conjunctivitis. -"itis" refers to the presence of inflammation. 

Conjunctiva is a thin transparent tissue /membrane which lines the eyelids and covers the scleral portion of the eye.  Conjunctiva helps in protecting the eye from irritants and stands first-level defence in case of foreign material invasion. It lubricates the eyeball and keeps it moist to prevent corneal drying.

Image source; Pexels.  Normal eye

See also: Dacryocystitis

When the conjunctiva is inflamed due to the presence of infections, irritants, or some other reasons, the eye turns pinkish-red. So conjunctivitis is also called pink-eye.

It is one of the common eye infections caused by bacteria, irritants, allergens, or some underlying disease. It is commonly seen in children and adults. It can affect one or both eyes. The affected eye is difficult to open up in the morning after you wake from sleep and the eye-lids may appear swollen giving it a half-shut eye appearance. Itching and pain as well as burning sensations in the affected eyes can be seen.

Pink eye spreads by contact with the eye secretions of infected persons.

Causes of conjunctivitis:

There are different types of conjunctivitis:

Viral conjunctivitis:

This type of conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection. The viruses responsible for causing the common cold can also infect the eyes causing pink-eye or conjunctivitis. In places that are crowded and poor sanitation can be seen, the incidences of viral conjunctivitis are high. In schools, cinemas and malls also it can spread fast. It is an infectious condition characterized by red eyes, watery discharge as well and burning sensation in the eyes.

Bacterial conjunctivitis:

Such infection is transmitted by the presence of bacterial infection in other parts of the body via secretions or bloodstream. It is highly contagious and can spread from one person to another rapidly. The eye discharge may appear thick yellowish and purulent in case of bacterial infections. The discharge appears more in the morning on waking up from the bed.

Allergic conjunctivitis:

Allergy to certain factors such as pollen grains, animal hairs, dust, smoke, chemicals, etc. may produce an allergic response in the eyes causing the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The allergy can be treated using antihistamines and once the medications are started, it commences to recover. The symptoms go away in a few days and the eyes become normal.

It is not a contagious condition as the main cause is allergy.

 Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

·         #Viral or bacterial infection

·         #Irritants               

·         #Allergens such as pollen, animal hair allergies, dust and smoke allergies, chemical soap or shampoos.

·         #Sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhoea, chlamydia due to several bacteria may spread to the eye causing bacterial conjunctivitis

·         #A reaction to eye drops

·         #Wearing contaminated glasses, contact lenses or specific allergy to contact lenses’ material.

Signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis or pink eye:

What are the first symptoms of red/pink eye(conjunctivitis)?

·         Red eye

·         Watery eye

·         Swelling of the lower eyelids. The eyelid conjunctiva swells more than the scleral conjunctiva

·         Visible optic veins over the sclera

·         Itchy eyes

·         Burning sensation on closing and opening eyes

·         Feeling of something trapped inside the eyelids.

·         Blurring of vision

·         Increased sensitivity to light

·         Difficulty opening eye in the morning after sleep

·         Pain in the affected eye

Diagnosis:

Through assessment of the eye condition, the diagnosis of conjunctivitis can be made. People may provide a history of allergies or invasion of any foreign material in the affected eye.

The source of infection can be known by taking conjunctival swabs for culture to detect viral, bacteria, or fungal infections of the eye.

See also: Dacryocystitis

Treatment:

·         Usually the conjunctivitis infection goes away on its own in one to two weeks in case of viral cause. In some cases, if the symptoms do not subside it is a better and safe option to consult an ophthalmologist.

·         An ophthalmologist is a doctor who has specialized in eye disorders.

·         The doctor prescribes Antibiotic eye drops to treat the infection.

·         Cleaning the infected eye/eyes with warm water daily in the morning helps in reducing the discomfort and pain in the eye. It also reduces swelling of the eyelids and helps in the removal of sticky eye discharge. Sometimes in the morning due to the stuck eye secretions, a person can find it difficult to open the eyes. Applying warm water with gentle pressure using a clean cotton cloth can loosen the sticky discharge and help open the eyes.

·         The doctor may advise avoiding eye-to-hand contact and vice––versa. This stops the transfer of infection from one person to another and from one infected eye to a normal eye.

·         He may tell you to apply a warm compress on the affected eye using clean hands.

·         Rest and avoid going in sunlight for a few days. In case it is unavoidable, go out of your home putting on your sunglasses. This prevents eye infection in other persons and also relieves eye sensitivity to light.

·         Topical ointments and eye drops may be prescribed to treat conjunctivitis.

·         In case of allergies, antihistamine drugs may be given.

·         Once the causative agent is known, treatment may be planned according to the organism involved in causing infection,

Prevention:

Prevention is better than cure:

·         Proper handwashing must be encouraged. Hand hygiene is a must in handling eye infections. Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes.

·         Avoid touching the infected or even normal eyes

·         Use a clean cotton handkerchief to wipe out the eye

·         Do not rub the eyes vigorously, it could penetrate the infection into the deeper structure or break the integrity of the eye.

·         Using warm compress to relieve pain and congestion

·         Don’t share your clothes, handkerchiefs, or towels with anyone.

·         Don’t use someone else's contact lenses or spectacles.

·         Avoid using the common soap for all.

·         After touching the eyes do not touch anywhere or any objects.

·         Wear only your own spectacles and clean them before use daily.

·         Avoid wearing eye-makeup if you suspect you have an eye infection.

·         Replace your eye-makeup with a new one to avoid any allergies/infection in case of prolonged time of use.

·         Eat vitamin A-rich foods such as carrot, gooseberries, papaya, spinach, green leafy vegetables, etc.

Note: This blog post is for educational and informational purpose only. It is not a substitute for any medical advice, consultation or treatment. Please see your doctor in any case.