WHAT IS CONJUNCTIVITIS?Conjunctivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes. It's the most common cause of a red eye.
The whites of the eyes are covered by a mucous membrane (conjunctiva), which contains very thin blood vessels. When irritated, these vessels swell, causing the eye to become red.CAUSESThe most common cause is a virus or bacteria. Allergies, dry eye syndrome, or environmental irritants can also cause a red eye.PHENOMENABacterial conjunctivitis produces a yellow-green discharge (pus).
Most viral infections of the conjunctiva cause mucus production and a watery discharge. Viruses are generally the cause of the familiar "red eye," accompanied by a sore throat and runny nose, similar to a cold or the flu; these symptoms last 1-2 weeks.
Allergic conjunctivitis often causes itching and watery discharge, along with varying degrees of moderate to severe redness.
Dry eye syndrome causes painful, red mucous membranes, sometimes with sensitivity to light and, due to irritation, excessive tearing.
Irritants primarily cause heavy, watery discharge and possibly a red eye.
 |
| conjunctivitis |
Photo: Microrao - Wikimedia (Creative Commons License 4.0 ).
DIAGNOSISThrough examination, the ophthalmologist or general practitioner can distinguish between the different forms. Sometimes it may also be necessary to perform a culture of the eye discharge. This is done by very carefully swabbing the mucous membrane of the eye with a small cotton swab. This allows the determination of which bacteria or virus needs to be treated.TREATMENT- For bacterial conjunctivitis, an antibiotic is administered. This can be in the form of drops, ointment, or gel.
- For viral conjunctivitis, antibiotics are ineffective. Sometimes, it is necessary to administer anti-inflammatory drops.
- Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with special drops that target an allergy in the eye.
- Dry eye syndrome can sometimes be treated with artificial tears. There are many types of drops, ointments, and gels available that help alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes.
- For red eyes caused by irritants, different treatments are required, depending on the type of irritant. This will not be discussed further in this brochure.PREVENTIONBoth bacterial and viral forms of conjunctivitis are contagious. Therefore, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly after contact with the patient and not to share towels or tissues. |
