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Definition
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. There are many causes of conjunctivitis.
Inflamed Conjunctiva
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Causes
Causes include:
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection, such as staphylococcus or streptococcus
- Allergic reaction, usually related to seasonal allergies
- Chemical irritation caused by:
- Air pollutants
- Soap
- Smoke
- Chlorine
- Make-up
- Other chemicals
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for conjunctivitis include:
- Contact with a person who has conjunctivitis
- Sharing towels, linens, or other objects (even doorknobs) with an infected person
- Exposure to chemical or environmental irritants
- Contact lenses, particularly if not maintained properly
- Age: more common in children
- Seasonal allergies or contact with known allergens
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Red, watery eyes
- Inflamed inner eyelids
- Scratchy feeling in the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Pus-like or watery discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling of the eyelid
Depending on its cause, conjunctivitis will usually clear up within 2-14 days. If conjunctivitis is caused by a seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur throughout the season. If it is caused by a non-seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur year round.
IMPORTANT NOTE : These symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem. If you develop these or any other symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your eye. If there is discharge from your eye, it may be tested to determine the cause of the conjunctivitis. TreatmentTreatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis. Bacterial InfectionAntibiotic eye drops and/or ointment may be prescribed. This will help shorten the course of the infection and the time it is contagious. Wipe away any discharge that accumulates with a clean cotton ball before applying the medication. Viral InfectionThere is no medicine to cure a viral infection. However, many doctors will prescribe topical antibiotics if they cannot rule out the possibility of a bacterial infection. Applying warm compresses or artificial tears (found in pharmacies) may help relieve symptoms. Your eye doctor may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory drop, which may help alleviate your symptoms. Allergic or Chemical IrritationAvoid the cause of the irritation (smoke, pollen, make-up, etc.). Apply cool compresses to the affected area. Your doctor may prescribe allergy eye drops to help relieve allergic conjunctivitis.
To Prevent Further Spread of InfectionKeep hands away from your face, and do not rub your eyesChange pillowcases and towels every nightDo not share pillows or towelsWash hands frequentlyAvoid shaking hands with othersAvoid swimmingCarefully clean away any discharge with warm water and clean cotton or gauze, and immediately discard Prevention Strategies to avoid conjunctivitis include: Do not share makeup or eye drops with anyone elseAvoid sharing towels, washcloths, pillows, and handkerchiefsWash hands frequently, and keep hands away from eyesWear watertight goggles when swimmingClean contact lenses daily and never sleep with them unless approved by your eye doctorIn case of allergic conjunctivitis, avoid irritants and place allergy-proof covers on your pillows and mattressYour eye doctor can discuss other methods to prevent conjunctivitis, depending on the cause RESOURCES: American Optometric Associationhttp://www.aoanet.org Family DoctorAmerican Academy of Family Physicianshttp://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Family Physicianhttp://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/ Canadian Ophthalmological Societyhttp://www.eyesite.ca References: Conjunctivitis. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ . Accessed February 23, 2001.
Viral conjunctivitis. Review of Optometry . 2001. Last reviewed March 2008 by Alexander J. Anetakis, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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