Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (often called "pink eye") is any redness, itching and swelling of the conjunctiva, a trasparent membrane that lines the eyelids and outer eye. It can be caused by bacteria, virus, allergy, or by chemical irritation from something like chlorinated water in a swimming pool or eye makeup. The allergic type of conjunctivitis occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances such as drugs, cosmetics, or perfume. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved. The adenoviral conjunctivitis is caused by adenovirus and can be acute or chronic. It is contagious and is usually transmitted by the hands or via contaminated eyedrops. The winter peak is associated with respiratory tract infections, cold, or sore throat, and the summer peak with swimming pools. Like the common cold, there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; the symptoms may be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears. The adenoviral conjunctivitis can last up to 3 weeks and usually affects both eyes, although one eye is often more severely involved than the other.

One of the most common causes of chronic conjunctivitis is chlamydial infections. This type of conjunctivitis is called adult inclusion conjunctivitis or chlamydial conjunctivitis. It is a sexually-transmitted disease, and unlike other forms of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is chronic, with symptoms often persistent for many months. Symptoms include chronic eye irritation and watery or pus-like discharge. Follicles appear like small grains of rice, located in the conjunctiva. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is associated with chronic infection in the female reproductive organs, therefore its diagnosis and treatment is especially important, because if left untreated it can lead to infertility.

The first symptom of conjunctivitis is discomfort in the eye, followed by redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelids. After a day or so, a white, yellow or green discharge from the eye may be present. In bacterial conjunctivitis the discharge will be somewhat thick. It may crust the eye over, especially after sleeping. In viral conjunctivitis, the discharge may be thinner, or even clear, and the eye may be light sensitive. When conjunctivitis is associated with a runny nose, your child may also have an ear infection.
Photo: allergic conjunctivitis. Courtesy of Kellog Eye Center, University of Michigan

Conjunctivitis requires medical attention. Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its origin. For mild cases of the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears may relieve discomfort. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some people with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may require topical steroid drops. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria.

But be wary of using cortisone drops to treat the infection. If you should have and undetected herpes infection in your eye, the cortisone will make the condition much worse.

Should allergies be causing your eye irritation, remove the cause of the allergy. If this is impossible--if you don't know what the allergen is or you know it's your cat but can't bear to be parted from her--your eye doctor can prescribe eyedrops that should help relieve your symptoms.

Chronic conjunctivitis can also result from vitamin deficiency, such as biotin, vitamin A, B12, B1, or C. Many diseases may cause conjunctivitis including rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis also known as Reiter's syndrome, a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body and other diseases.

Ways to Relieve Infectious Conjunctivitis - Hot or cold compresses can help. If you have a lot of discharge from your eyes, run a washcloth under warm water and use it as compress to prevent the sticky secretions from drying on the lashes. Use a cold compress (soak a washcloth in ice water) to shrink swelling and reduce itchiness, especially if your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies. Do either one--or both--for five minutes three to four times a day. Use a fresh washcloth each time.

Use goldenseal eyewash to soothe irritated tissue and reduces swelling. Soothe your eyes with chamomile compress. Place a chamomile tea bag in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes, squeeze the excess water, then place the tea bag over your sore eye for 10 minutes. Repeat 3 to 4 times a day with a fresh tea bag. Keep your eye closed so that the wash does not come into direct contact with the eye.

In traditional medicine of India, conjunctivitis is treated with pulp of fresh cilantro leaves. In a blender or chopper, blend a handful of cilantro leaves with 1/3 or 1/4 cup water. Strain out the juice and apply the pulp to your closed eyelids. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe away the mixture before you open your eyes.

Ways to Prevent Re-infection - To prevent the re-infection of one or both eyes:

Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the infection is completely gone.
Throw away all eye makeup you were using when the infection developed.
Try not to touch your eyes. If you touch them accidentally, wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a paper towel or hot-air dryer instead of a hand towel.
If you have to dab your eyes, use a separate tissue for each eye. Immediately throw both tissues in a plastic bag and wash your hands.
Carry a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you and use it often.
If you wear contact lenses, clean and sterilize them exactly according to the manufacturer's directions whether or not you or anyone around you shows any signs of conjunctivitis. Wash your hands before you put in or take out your lenses.
At home, when you eat put your dishes in the dishwasher yourself. Don't let anyone else handle them. Throw your towel, pillow case and washcloth into the laundry room every day. This helps you prevent the re-introducing the bacteria or virus to the same eye or spreading it to the other eye. Also other people can pick up the infectious conjunctivitis by using the same towel or washcloth.
If you have young children with conjunctivitis, they should stay home from school.

Ways to Relieve Allergic Conjunctivitis - If your eye itches and produces stringy discharge, your conjunctivitis may be the result of allergies. Taking an oral antihistamine, vitamin C and quercetin usually relieves the symptoms.