Conjunctivitis - what is it?

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases, consisting in inflammation of the lining of the eyelid. The conjunctiva performs the protective role of the eye, and at the same time they are very sensitive to irritation.

Conjunctivitis - what is it?

Conjunctivitis is a very common ophthalmic disease. Inflammation can take many forms; it can be infectious or non-infectious. This disease often accompanies other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, manifested in a red / bloodshot eye. Warning! Sometimes conjunctival hyperaemia can be confused, from corneal.

Causes of conjunctivitis

The cause of conjunctivitis are purulent bacteria (staphylococci, streptococcus, gonococcus, pneumococcus), which can be activated by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, dust, chemicals, cigarette smoke or radiation. These last factors can lead to chronic conjunctivitis. Also, allergic conjunctivitis associated with the presence of a sensitizing agent in the patient's surroundings (e.g. plant dust, particles of animal origin, dust, chemicals, bacteria, cosmetics, medicines) is often diagnosed.

Some newborns have an acute conjunctivitis which is caused by microbial infection from the mother during labor.

Conjunctivitis - symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis affect the eye and its surroundings. We divide them into subjective symptoms: photophobia, burning, pruritus, tearing; and the subject: hyperemia, redness, swelling, purulent secretion. Dental membranes may form on the surface of the eyelid.

The congestion of the eye is one of the most common symptoms of conjunctivitis. However, conjunctival hyperaemia should be distinguished from corneal hyperaemia. So what distinguishes this first (conjunctival)?

• Conjunctival hyperemia is located more peripherally and disappears by approaching the cornea;
• widened blood vessels in the eye move along with the agitated conjunctiva, e.g. when we pull the lower eyelid (in the corneal congestion, we will not see it);
• when pressing on the conjunctiva the vessels fade (opposite to corneal inflammation).

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in the form of: photophobia, narrowing of the eyelid and tearing create the so-called annoying triad.

Conjunctivitis - types

1. Viral conjunctivitis: may appear as a partner of a viral infection or simply by yourself. With this type of inflammation we meet, among others, during colds or flu. Inflammation can be caused, for example, by the influenza virus, although it may be accompanied by symptoms in the form of enlarged lymph nodes around the mandible. Viral infection is often the result of contact with other people, using the same towels or products intended for the eyes. Viral conjunctivitis disappears in an independent manner and in most cases does not require a doctor. However, you must follow the rules of hygiene, often wash your hands, do not rub your eyes! Even regular rubbing can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis.

2. Bacterial conjunctivitis: it also manifests itself with purulent secretion, which uncomfortably causes eyelashes and eyelids to stick together. This secretion is characteristic of this type of inflammation. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be severe (lasts about 2 weeks, starts rapidly and affects mainly children). A chronic form of inflammation occurs when the symptoms last more than 4 weeks (small amount of oil). For bacterial inflammation often brings the dirty hands that carry the bacteria into the eyes. Bacteria can move to the eye, e.g. from the nose (runny nose); from sinus. Always consult a doctor! He will prescribe the appropriate drops with an antibiotic or ointment that is used overnight.

3. Convictant conjunctivitis: caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It mainly affects newborns (2-4 days after birth) and results from an infection transmitted from the genital tract of the mother who is suffering from gonorrhea. This type of inflammation is manifested by strong eyelid edema, large amounts of oil and sudden onset. It occurs rarely, because currently a procedure is performed that protects the child against this type of infection (Credego's treatment). After the birth, the child is put on the eyes with silver nitrate, which kills the bacteria.

4. Non-infectious conjunctivitis: it is allergic conjunctivitis caused by allergy (very often in allergy sufferers) and looking at the electric arc during welding (irritation).

5. Infective conjunctivitis: it is an infectious disease, therefore it is recommended to follow rules that prevent re-infection. First of all, contact lenses should be put away (eyes must rest); secondly, do not use eye cosmetics (mascaras, eye shadows); thirdly, it is important to remember to apply basic hygiene principles, such as hand washing. If you feel photophobia, wear sunglasses.

How to treat conjunctivitis?

The method of treatment depends on the factor that caused conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis in the initial phase is recommended to be treated with eye drops. It is also worth to use home-made methods, that is, infusion of chamomile, skylight or weak tea.

Bacterial conjunctivitis should be treated with antibiotics in the form of: ointments, drops or tablets. If eye irritation is caused by chemical substances, first of all wash your eyes thoroughly and get rid of the irritant!

If the condition is chronic, take the medicine in consultation with your doctor and under his supervision. Therapy consists primarily in eliminating the sensitizing factor from the environment. An ophthalmologist may direct us to examine the discharge from the eye to determine the type of bacteria that cause the disease. Care should be taken with antibiotics, because their long-term administration can lead to fungal infections. During the pollen season, we are more exposed to conjunctivitis, and antihistamines, which can only be prescribed by a doctor, help relieve symptoms.

How to relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Do you suffer from conjunctivitis? Below are some valuable tips that will help you recover faster. In the course of conjunctivitis:

• set aside the contact lenses so that the eyes can rest,
• try not to stay in dusty places,
• use only light and mild cosmetics to clean your eyes,
• put cold compresses on your eyes,
• to relieve unpleasant burning and itching, you can use the so-called "artificial tears".

Conjunctivitis - prevention

In conjunctivitis in addition to treatment, prevention is also important. To avoid unpleasant illness, one should carefully care for eye hygiene.

1. Never borrow eye cosmetics from other people.

2. Remember to wash your hands frequently, because there are a lot of germs in your hands.

3. Absolutely do not borrow contact lenses from anyone, always just assume yours.

4. Ensure proper storage of contact lenses.

5. During any eye infection, give up the eye makeup.

6. Do not scratch the affected eye.

7. Try to wash your eyes several times a day with a cotton petal.

8. Leave contact lenses during conjunctivitis. However, after completing the treatment, be sure to put on new ones to avoid reinfection.

9. If you use eye drops, clean your hands thoroughly after each application.

Other conjunctivitis

The inflammation of the conjunctiva can also be caused by viruses. The most common, commonly occurring (epidemic) include inflammations that also include the cornea.

Conjunctivitis can also be one of the symptoms of an infectious disease, e.g. measles, rubella, common parotitis (swine), influenza. It usually does not require special treatment. However, in the diphtheria local symptoms, in the form of difficult to separate membranes, arising on the conjunctiva and skin of the eyelids, are accompanied by typical for the disease severe general symptoms requiring treatment in infectious disease departments.

Recently more and more often conjunctivitis caused various pathogenic fungi, and the factor favorable for the development of fungi is chronic, uncontrolled administration of conjunctival antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Trachoma

Millet is diagnosed relatively rarely - it is caused by pathogenic microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted via insects and general use objects. It is characterized by the development in the conjunctiva of yellowish papules, reminiscent of millet, which gradually grow, then break, secrete a highly contagious content. The disease includes the eyelids and cornea, gradually leading to extensive scarring and visual impairment.

Conjunctival pigmental dye

In children and adolescents, they often appear in the conjunctiva pigment staining, which look like nodules in the corners of the eyelids. Lumps can grow along with the development of the child. These are benign lesions, but should be removed surgically before puberty, because sometimes in adulthood they can become the cause of malignant conjunctival melanoma.