Conjunctivitis is an eye condition in which inflammation of the membrane that lines the white portion of the eye and inner surface of eyelid occurs due to chemical or physical influences.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and easily spread when touched with dirty hands, towels or washcloths contaminated by debris, swabs or tissues that come into contact with eyes.

Causes

Conjunctivitis, which covers the white of the eye and lines the inner side of eyelids, may become inflamed for various reasons. This may be caused by viruses or bacteria as well as foreign substances like dust, pollen, animal dander, chemicals drugs or contact lens solutions; symptoms range from mild irritation to intense itching resulting in excessive tearing with watery or sticky discharge from one or both eyes; this condition can range from mild to severe and affect either one or both eyes at any one time.

Viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and quickly spread from person to person, usually starting in one eye then progressing to both. Viral conjunctivitis symptoms include reddening of blood vessels over the white of the eye, the eye lining swelling and becoming red, discharge that gives an unpleasant sandy or gritty feeling in the eye, discharge with sandy-like particles in it and possibly droopy eyelids. Antibiotic drops or ointments will not work against viral infections; patients must wait two or three weeks for it to run its course before seeking medical help. Patients must observe isolation precautions and wash hands frequently with soap to stay healthy during this time.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body reacts to an allergen in its environment. It’s most prevalent among those suffering seasonal allergies or being exposed to animal dander or perfumes; but can also be brought on by contact lens solutions containing preservatives, or through wearing hard or rigid plastic contact lenses which rub against the surface of the eye over an extended period. Unfortunately, treating allergic conjunctivitis is usually difficult and will typically return.

Chemical/Toxic Conjunctivitis can occur from exposure to fumes, smoke, dust, pollution or chemical fluids that contain pollutants. It can be extremely painful and lead to eye infections like styes or corneal ulcers; thus making this form of conjunctivitis extremely prevalent and preventable by using only brand name contact solutions and washing hands frequently with liquid soap.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the clear covering (conjunctiva) that covers and lines the white of the eye and inner side of eyelid. Commonly known by its nickname – pink eye – this condition affects adults and children of all ages alike and its germs spread easily from person to person. Its symptoms can include irritation and infection. Also referred to as pink eye, conjunctivitis is very contagious affecting adults as well as children alike and spreading quickly among friends or even within families over time. Its causes are varied; irritation from irritation or infection from various causes including irritation from other sources as well as infection itself resulting in red blood vessel formation from within conjunctiva which gives its common name of pink eye due to blood vessel color changes on conjunctiva in response to irritation or infection by either causes such as irritation or infection and irritation from causes as well as contact between people from either party that occurs between people. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious condition and easily spreads between adults and children of all ages alike due to germs involved spreading quickly between people from people due to contact between persons being exposed or being exposed from person to person easily transmitted from one person to person causing it’s effects being spread easily between persons affecting them being caught or even by someone exposed due to contact between persons involved being exposed during an incidental contact between persons involved and can spread quickly between people involved, as it’s presence or by way of exposure or between people with germs responsible easily spreading from person to another person easily spread among adults as it will affects both parties involved as soon being contagious germs that causes it can easily transmitting each other persons being involved.

Conjunctivitis symptoms often include itching and redness in one or both eyes or eye sockets. Some patients also report a thick, watery or mucous-like discharge that varies with different forms of conjunctivitis – viral conjunctivitis often follows colds and flus and features eye redness with watery discharge; bacteria-caused conjunctivitis often presents with yellow, white or green mucousy discharge that often results in crusting of eyelids.

Physical issues, like chemical splash or contact lens misuse, may also contribute to non-allergic conjunctivitis and result in mucous-like discharge that typically resolves within 24 hours or after removal of foreign bodies such as contact lens debris. Another type of non-allergic conjunctivitis may be brought on by prolonged contact lens wear or poor hygiene standards causing dryness that exacerbates its symptoms.

Step one in diagnosing conjunctivitis involves conducting an extensive history and physical exam with your physician. They’ll ask about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing while also performing a complete examination of the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes. Your doctor will test your tear flow using an artificial tear meter and take a sample of eye fluid on cotton swabs for laboratory analysis. In case of suspected bacterial causes, they will likely prescribe antibiotics such as eyedrops or pills; alternatively antihistamines or lubricating agents may help decrease symptoms but won’t treat the root of the problem.

Diagnosis

Conjunctivitis, also known as eyelid inflammation or infection, occurs when an irritation to the clear mucous membrane that covers and lines the white part of an eyeball and lines inside of eyelids occurs due to either bacteria, viruses, allergies, blocked tear ducts (in babies) or another cause. Symptoms may include red eyes with sticky discharge and itching sensation.

Pink eye usually clears up without treatment; however, some cases require medical attention as this infection could progress to more serious infections including glaucoma or even vision loss. Eye doctors will ask questions, examine your eyes, and may take samples for laboratory analysis.

Swabbing can provide insight into the cause and treatment for conjunctivitis. Contact lens wearers are usually advised by doctors to discontinue wearing contacts temporarily as this will decrease their likelihood of recurrence; infections caused by certain antiretroviral drugs have also been associated with increased risks of conjunctivitis.

Infectious conjunctivitis should be treated with antibiotic drops or ointments, and patients must make sure to complete all course(s) to reduce recurrence of infection.

Noninfectious conjunctivitis can often be treated effectively with cool compresses and unpreserved artificial tears. Cool compresses may help relieve symptoms and discomfort while antihistamines or vasoconstrictors may help manage itching symptoms for those suffering with severe itching. Antihistamines or vasoconstrictors may be prescribed if symptoms become unbearable; for those experiencing large papillary conjunctivitis triggered by airborne irritants like smoke, fumes or chemicals and should avoid coming into contact with these substances to find relief from symptoms and discomfort.

Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with drops or ointments and must run its course, similar to a cold. Patients must wash their hands after touching their eyes and dispose of used tissues promptly in a wastebasket to avoid spreading infection. Most symptoms typically subside within two or three weeks. At that time, eye care professionals might recommend an astringent in order to keep eyes clean and prevent further bacteria infection.

Treatment

Acute conjunctivitis typically clears up within a week without treatment; however, treating it early and effectively may prevent complications and shorten its duration. Antibiotic eyedrops or ointments are frequently prescribed to combat bacterial infections; these medications help decrease discharge volume while decreasing risks of spreading to other eye or nasal tissues.

Viral conjunctivitis is caused by viruses similar to those responsible for colds, and spread through coughing or sneezing of those infected by these viruses, or through contact with objects contaminated with viral DNA such as towels, washcloths or makeup that has become contaminated with them. Viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, tends to be less contagious than viral forms, though chronic cases still create quite a lot of pus. Antibiotic eyedrops or ointments may help decrease drainage rates and help decrease chances of further spreading the infection into other eyes or noses.

Chemical conjunctivitis is often caused by allergens like pollen or chlorine from swimming pools that irritate sensitive mucous membranes in the eye and cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to red or watery patches on the conjunctiva. Chemicals may also block tear ducts.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a type-1 hypersensitivity response to airborne allergens that trigger mast cell degranulation and histamine release, leading to swelling and redness of the conjunctiva. Cool compresses or artificial tears may temporarily relieve discomfort while more serious cases may require stronger measures like corticosteroid eye drops to decrease inflammation and allergy reactions.

If you are suffering from conjunctivitis symptoms, make an eye appointment immediately to get proper diagnosis and treatment. We will conduct an in-depth patient history review and physical exam that includes visual acuity testing, magnification evaluation and lymph node testing to rule out possible other causes for your symptoms; sometimes even smears or cultures of the conjunctival tissue may be recommended as additional testing methods.