Conjunctivitis: Causes and Types

Posted on by Dr Shibal Bhartiya
Causes, Treatment, Prevention and Symptoms of Red Eye

The conjunctiva is the transparent mucous membrane that lines the outer surface of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which makes it red, irritated and swollen. Any infections, bacterial or viral, make the conjunctiva red, swollen and often boggy. This kind of eye infection is called an infective conjunctivitis. On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva is due to an allergic reaction.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Infective

Viruses like adenovirus, herpes virus

Bacteria like Staphylococcus, Hemophilus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Allergic

Irritants like dust, smoke, chemical fumes, chlorine in pools, contact lens use

Hypersensitivity to pollen, fibers, pet hair, pollution, ingredients in cosmetics

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

• The conjunctiva becomes red, also called “pink eye”. In fact, red, angry looking eyes are the hallmark of the disease.
• The eyes tend to water, and there is excessive tearing.
• There is a green or yellow discharge from eyes in case of infection; “ropy” colorless discharge in case of an allergy.
• Patients complain of matting of eyelashes, and in fact, may also be unable to open eyes on waking up.
• Burning and painful eyes are a frequent complaint.
• There is sensitivity to light.
• Occasionally, the vision may be affected. Patients complain of blurred and fluctuating vision.
• Invariably, patients suffer from a foreign body sensation or “sand in eyes.”

Associated symptoms

1. Some times, sore throat or upper respiratory infection, associated lymph nodes (swelling behind ear and below jawline) especially with adenoviral conjunctivitis.
2. On the other hand, sneezing and other symptoms of hay fever, in case of an allergic response.

Published by Dr Shibal Bhartiya

Dr Shibal Bhartiya is an eye surgeon with special interest in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and ocular surface diseases, currently working as Senior Consultant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the white part of your eyeball. It may be allergic, or infective.

The blood vessels of the surface of the eye dilate giving the eye a flushed, pink or red appearance. This may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergic reaction. In this section, we will be dealing with the infective conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which is also known as eye flu.

Infective conjunctivitis can be contagious, and care must be taken to help limit its spread.

Symptoms:

  • Redness of eyes
  • Swelling or boggy appearance of conjunctiva and eyelids
  • Gritty feeling in the eye, discomfort
  • Watering and copius discharge
  • Transient blurring of vision

Management

  • Strict hand hygiene, always clean hands after touching your face or cleaning the eyes
  • Do not wear contact lenses until your eye doctor permits you to
  • Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup
  • Topical tear supplements: Usually preservative free eyedrops that keep the eyes lubricated help increase patient comfort
  • NSAIDS or Non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents: Help by decreasing the inflammation caused by the infection, and ease discomfort
  • Disease specific antibiotic or antiviral agents: if required. Soemtimes doctors prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic even for viral conjunctivitis to prevent a super added infection, especially if the patient is diabetic or immunocompromised

Published by Dr Shibal Bhartiya

Dr Shibal Bhartiya is an eye surgeon with special interest in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and ocular surface diseases, currently working as Senior Consultant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.