Conjuctivitis

The cause of conjunctivitis can vary depending on its type. Mainly, it can be classified into two types.

1. Infectious: Generally, infectious conjunctivitis is of two types: Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis.
   1. Viral Conjunctivitis: It is generally caused by common cold viruses. You might get infected with it, if :
      1. An individual with upper respiratory tract illness coughs or sneezes around you.
      2. You blow your nose too hard while you have a cold.
   2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis:  It's an inflammation produced by bacterial species like staphylococcus bacteria or streptococcal bacteria that are present on our skin or in our lungs. The causes of bacterial conjunctivitis are:
      1. Insects
      2. Direct contact with other infected people
      3. Poor hygiene, such as rubbing the eye with filthy hands 
      4. Contaminated eye cosmetics and face creams
      5. Sharing cosmetics 
      6. Using unhygienic contact lenses
2. Non-infectious:
   1. Allergic: 
      1. People who have seasonal allergies are more prone to developing allergic conjunctivitis.
      2. They contract it when they come in contact with something or someone that causes an allergic reaction in their eyes. 
   2. Chemical: Chemical conjunctivitis is caused due to chemicals, the causative irritants for chemical conjunctivitis are:
      1. Chlorine in swimming pools
      2. Air pollution 
      3. Exposure to other harmful chemicals

Signs and Symptoms

According to the extremity and mechanism of development of clinical signs, conjunctivitis can be characterized as acute, hyperacute or chronic. The signs and symptoms include:

1. Crusting around the eyes and clear, runny discharge
2. Redness in the eye(s)
3. Mild flushing
4. Itching
5. Minimal pain and puffy eyes
6. Grittiness 
7. Mild to severe light sensitivity
8. Runny nose, congestion or sneezing

When to See a doctor?

It is advised to consult healthcare personnel if you experience the following:

1. The severity of pain or irritation increases.
2. Persistent blurred vision
3. Redness in the eye(s)
4. Grittiness 

Diagnosis  

1. Since many symptoms of pink eye are similar to other eye conditions, the doctor will conduct a thorough diagnosis.
2. Initially, the doctor will ask about the symptoms and review the medical history.
3. The doctor will also conduct a physical eye examination.
4. Other diagnostic measures are:
   1. Vision test
   2. Magnification and strong light are used to examine the conjunctiva and exterior eye tissue.
   3. Examination of the eye's inner structures to ensure that the condition has not damaged any other tissues.
   4. Conjunctival tissue cultures or smears: It is especially significant in chronic conjunctivitis situations or when the illness is not responding to treatment.

Preventive measures: 

Measures to be taken for the prevention of conjunctivitis are:

1. Not to share personal care products and specifically eye cosmetics.
2. Clean Pillowcases to be used 
3. Use clean towels and cloths
4. Don't share the used towels to prevent infection 
5. Wash hands at frequent time intervals 
6. Avoid touching eyes with hands
7. Wash your hands before wearing or removing a contact lens

Treatment: 

The treatment of conjunctivitis can be carried out in three ways.

1. Self-care while suffering from conjunctivitis: it is critical to refrain from wearing contact lenses. 
   1. It frequently resolves on its own, but therapy can fasten healing. 
   2. Antihistamines can be used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. 
   3. Antibiotic eye drops can be used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.
   4. A cold compress can be applied to reduce inflammation, along with the use of artificial tears for the soothing effect.
2. Supportive care
   1. This condition usually heals in 7-10 days without any specialized treatment. Therapy and medications can fasten this process.
3. Medications
   1. Prescribed antibiotics treatment can be taken for the bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. 
   2. Steroids facilitate inflammation reduction and tissue repair and growth by the modification or simulation of the hormonal effects.

Myths vs Facts

Myth: Conjunctivitis occurs only in children

Fact: This condition is common in children, but anyone from any age group can get pink eye or conjunctivitis. It is frequently occurring in kids because of hygiene issues either in their school environment or at places they are close to.

 

Myth: There is no need to go to a doctor for conjunctivitis

Fact: Conjunctivitis gets healed on its own, and no special treatments are required for it. Although, in the case of severe symptoms, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider, and get proper treatment and medications.

 

Myth: If someone's eye(s) is red, then it must be conjunctivitis

Fact: Besides conjunctivitis, red or pink eyes can be a sign of many other conditions such as uveitis, dry eyes, and glaucoma.  

 

Myth: There is no treatment for the disease

Fact: It often goes away on its own but depending on its type and criticality,   treatment can relieve the effect. Many eyes drop, and antibiotics, and steroids can be taken for the accelerated healing process.

 

Myth: We develop immunity against pink eye once we get infected.

Fact: Despite the prevailing circumstances on the type of conjunctivitis, getting infected by it once cannot protect us against future infection. The most reliable way to protect against relapse of the infection is to avoid exposure to allergens and maintenance of hygiene.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, conjunctivitis is not a severe condition. If required precautions for conjunctivitis are taken at the right time, it can be treated whereas ignoring its symptoms can undoubtedly result in a worse condition. Hexahealth is the first step towards the right treatment and care. We help you to connect with the top doctors and surgeons from the most trusted hospitals at affordable prices to make your healing and recovery process as relaxing as possible. From our nationwide network, we offer you the greatest and most suitable healthcare and surgical guide for the proper treatment. You are just a phone call away from the correct health care service that you require.