Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, causing discomfort and a characteristic pink or red appearance in the affected eye(s). While conjunctivitis can be bothersome, it is usually a minor eye infection that resolves within a few days to two weeks. However, it is essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for this condition to ensure proper management and prevent complications.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, often referred to as "pink eye," is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This condition can affect one or both eyes and is caused by various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, allergies, and exposure to irritants. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the small blood vessels within it become more visible, giving the eye a pink or reddish appearance. Conjunctivitis can cause discomfort, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eye, as well as discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common signs and symptoms include:

• Redness: One of the most noticeable symptoms is a pink or red discolouration in one or both eyes. This occurs due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which makes the blood vessels in the white part of the eye more visible.

• Discharge: Conjunctivitis can cause a discharge or crusting on the eyelids. The nature of the discharge may vary, ranging from clear and watery in viral conjunctivitis to thick and pus-like in bacterial cases.

• Eye irritation: Conjunctivitis often causes itching, irritation, and/or a burning sensation in the eyes, which can be uncomfortable and distracting.

• Tearing: Increased shedding of tears is another common symptom of conjunctivitis, as the eyes try to flush out the irritant or infection.

• Gritty feeling: Some people with conjunctivitis may experience a gritty or sandy feeling in one or both eyes, as if there is something in the eye that cannot be removed.

• Swelling: Swelling of the eyelids is another sign of conjunctivitis, which can make the eyes appear puffy and tired.

• Crusting: Crusting of eyelids or lashes can occur, especially in the morning, which can cause the eyelids to stick together and make it difficult to open the eyes.

• Light sensitivity: Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, may occur with conjunctivitis, making it uncomfortable to be in bright environments.

• Blurred vision: While rare, blurred vision can occur due to excessive watering or discharge from the eyes, which can interfere with clear sight.

Understanding these symptoms can help individuals recognise conjunctivitis and seek appropriate treatment. However, it is essential to identify the underlying cause to determine the most effective course of action.

Conjunctivitis can be triggered by various factors, each requiring a different approach to treatment. The main causes include:

• Viral infections: Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of infectious conjunctivitis. It is often associated with the common cold or other respiratory infections and can be highly contagious. Viruses such as adenovirus and herpes simplex virus are common causes.

• Bacterial infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. This type of conjunctivitis is also contagious and can spread rapidly in schools, daycare centres, and other crowded environments.

• Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. This type of conjunctivitis is not contagious and often occurs seasonally or when exposed to specific allergens.

• Chemical/irritant exposure: Exposure to chemicals, such as chlorine in swimming pools, or irritants, like smoke or air pollution, can cause conjunctivitis. This type of conjunctivitis is also not contagious and usually resolves once the irritant is removed.

• Foreign bodies: Sometimes, a foreign body, such as a loose eyelash or a piece of dust, can become trapped under the eyelid, causing irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva.

• Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva as part of their systemic effects on the body.

• Contact lens use: Improper use of contact lenses, such as wearing them for too long or not cleaning them properly, can lead to conjunctivitis by introducing bacteria or irritants to the eye.

• Blocked tear ducts: In infants, blocked tear ducts can cause a mild form of conjunctivitis, as the accumulated tears provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Preventing the spread of conjunctivitis is crucial, as it is a highly contagious condition. Here are some key strategies to reduce the risk of infection and transmission:

• Personal hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes. This helps reduce the risk of infection significantly.

• Contact lens care: For contact lens wearers, proper lens care is essential. Clean and disinfect your lenses as recommended by your eye care professional. Avoid sharing contact lenses or lens care products, and discontinue use if you develop conjunctivitis until the condition resolves.

• Avoiding shared makeup and facial products: Do not share makeup, facial lotions, or eye care products, as this can increase the risk of spreading conjunctivitis. Use only your own products, and if you have conjunctivitis, discard any eye makeup that may have come into contact with the infected eye.

• Environmental precautions: In communal settings like schools or childcare facilities, encourage frequent hand washing and discourage sharing towels or pillows. Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with infected individuals to prevent transmission.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing conjunctivitis or spreading the infection to others.

Diagnosing conjunctivitis involves a comprehensive eye examination performed by a qualified doctor. The examination typically includes:

• Patient history: Diagnosis begins with a detailed patient history, focusing on symptoms like redness, itching, discharge, and any pain or vision changes. The duration of symptoms and recent exposure to infected individuals or allergens are also assessed.

• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination includes inspecting the eyes for redness, swelling, and discharge. The doctor checks pupil reactions to light and examines the eyelids and conjunctiva for inflammation.

• Visual acuity measurements: Visual acuity measurements are conducted to determine if conjunctivitis has affected vision. This helps assess the impact of the condition on the patient's sight.

• Discharge assessment: The type of eye discharge offers important clues: purulent discharge suggests bacterial conjunctivitis, watery discharge indicates viral conjunctivitis, and clear discharge is typically seen in allergic conjunctivitis.

• Slit-lamp examination: A slit-lamp examination provides a magnified, detailed view of the conjunctival surface. This helps differentiate between various types of conjunctival inflammation and assess the overall health of the eye.

• Fluorescein staining: Fluorescein staining may be performed to highlight patterns of corneal fluorescein uptake. This test reveals any inflammation in the anterior chamber of the eye, aiding in diagnosis.

• Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests can include swabs of the discharge to identify the specific cause, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal. Allergy tests may be conducted for suspected allergic conjunctivitis.

Prompt diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause of conjunctivitis are crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and preventing potential complications.

While mild cases of conjunctivitis may resolve on their own, there are certain situations where contacting your doctor is necessary:

• If your symptoms persist or worsen after a few days of self-care measures

• If you experience severe eye pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light

• If you have a weakened immune system or other underlying health conditions

• If you develop a high fever along with your conjunctivitis symptoms

• If you notice any pus or mucus discharge from your eye

• If you recently suffered an eye injury or had eye surgery

In these cases, your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. Timely medical intervention can help prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery from this eye conjunctive infection.

• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is a highly contagious inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid.

• Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, tearing, discharge, and crusting of the eyelids, usually affecting one eye initially and spreading to the other.

• Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants, with viral and bacterial conjunctivitis being the most contagious forms.

• Preventive measures such as practicing good hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes, and not sharing personal items can help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading conjunctivitis.

• While conjunctivitis often resolves on its own, it is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, persist, or are accompanied by severe pain, vision changes, or trauma to the eye.