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Conjunctivitis. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

What is Conjunctivitis?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and part of your eyeball. Inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, which is what causes the pink or red cast to the whites of your eyes. The white part of your eye and the inner surfaces of your eyelids are covered by a transparent membrane (thin layer of cells) known as the conjunctiva. If the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, you have a condition called conjunctivitis.

Acute follicular conjunctivitis follows the so-called "rule of eights", eight day incubation period, eight days maximum symptoms and eight days to resolution. It takes a full month to go away.

Causes of Conjunctivitis Pinkeye can be caused by many of the bacteria and viruses responsible for colds and other infections, -- including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats -- and by the same types of bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are common among children and are very contagious. Someone with conjunctivitis may be contagious for seven to 14 days after signs and symptoms first appear.

Conjunctivitis caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but are not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and usually occurs in the spring and summer. It is usually triggered by exposure to plant pollen and grasses. People who are allergic to animals or dust mites may be affected year-round.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis Uncomfortable, thick yellow or green discharge (often a bacterial infection) Thin, clear drainage from the eye (often a viral infection or an allergic reaction) Mostly both eyes are affected, but often one starts before the other. The eye is red, with the blood vessels over the white of the eye more visible and swollen. The lining of the eyelids also looks redder or pinker than usual.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis Infectious forms of pink eye are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact with infected people. If you or your child has infectious pink eye, avoid touching the eye area and wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the eye area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and throw away tissues after each use.

Viral conjunctivitis Viral conjunctivitis doesn't respond to treatment with antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Like with a common cold, you can use an over-the-counter remedy to relieve some symptoms, but the virus just has to run its course. You may notice a worsening of symptoms in the first three to five days. After that, your signs and symptoms should gradually clear on their own.

Viral There are no specific treatment options to treat this type of conjunctivitis. In this situation your provider will educate you on how to reduce symptoms and prevent spreading the infection to the other eye or to other people.

Allergic causes Treatment for conjunctivitis caused by allergies usually will involve treating the allergies. Your child's physician may order oral medications or eye drops to help with the allergies.Cold compresses and artificial tears can help ease the symptoms. In severe cases, steroid eye drops may be prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

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