Conjunctivitis , commonly known as pink eye , is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera ). It is a fairly common condition and usually causes no danger to the eye or your child's vision. Often called "pink eye," it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, resulting in a pink or red cast to the whites of your eyes. Its common name, pink eye, can refer to all forms of conjunctivitis, or just to its contagious forms. The term describes any inflammatory process that involves the conjunctiva; however, to most patients, conjunctivitis (often called pink eye) is a diagnosis in its own right. The viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Overall however, there are many causes of pink eye. Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. With antibiotic treatment, it typically goes away without complications.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
The common Causes of Conjunctivitis :
Viruses.
A chemical splash in the eye.
Bacteria.
Radiation, especially the ultraviolet in sunlight.
The most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, especially in older children, is a viral infection.
A foreign object in the eye.
Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine.
Too much wind blowing on the eyes.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Some Symptoms of Conjunctivitis :
The eye is itchy or painful. .
Increased tearing .
Blurred vision .
Redness in the eyes .
Itching of the eye .
Tearing .
Sensitivity to light .
A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night.
A gritty feeling in one or both eyes .
Treatment of Conjunctivitis
Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eyedrops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children.
Different types of eyedrops : Antihistamines, Decongestants, Mast cell stabilizers, Steroids and Anti-inflammatory drops.
Patients who wish to return to hydrogel (soft) CLs should use peroxide disinfection systems or daily disposable hydrogel CLs.
Topical mast cell-stabilizing solutions (eg, cromolyn sodium, lodoxamide) may offer a pharmacological alternative for these patients, although CL cessation is the most effective treatment.
Cool water may help to soothe the redness and itching.
If the problem is a virus infection, then it will not respond to antibiotics, and your body will have to fight off the infection.
Your doctor may prescribe drops or ointment, or both. Drops stay in the eyes for a shorter time, but ointment tends to blur the vision. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe drops by day, with ointment at night.
Over the counter eye cleansing solution can also soothe the eyes, but in the presence of a bacterial infection, you need to see the doctor as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are necessary. In some rare infections, antibiotics are also given by mouth.
