Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid.
Causes
Causes include:
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Viral infection
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Bacterial infection, such as staphylococcus or streptococcus
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Allergic reaction, usually related to seasonal allergies
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Chemical irritation caused by:
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Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for conjunctivitis include:
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Contact with a person who has conjunctivitis
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Sharing towels, linens, or other objects (even doorknobs) with an infected person
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Exposure to chemical or environmental irritants
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Contact lenses, particularly if not maintained properly
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Age: more common in children
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Seasonal allergies or contact with known allergens
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Depending on its cause, conjunctivitis will usually clear up within 2-14 days. If conjunctivitis is caused by a seasonal allergy, it may continue to recur throughout the season.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem. If you develop these or any other symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your eye. If there is discharge from your eye, it may be tested to determine the cause of the conjunctivitis.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the type of infection.
Bacterial Infection
Antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment will be prescribed. This will help shorten the course of the infection and the time it is contagious. Wipe away any discharge that accumulates with a clean cotton ball before applying the medication.
Viral Infection
There is no medicine to cure a viral infection. However, many doctors will prescribe topical antibiotics if they cannot rule out the possibility of a bacterial infection. Applying warm compresses or artificial tears (found in pharmacies) may help relieve symptoms.
Allergic or Chemical Irritation
Avoid the cause of the irritation (smoke, pollen, etc). Apply cool compresses to the affected area. Eye drops containing antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve severe allergic conjunctivitis.
To Prevent Further Spread of Infection:
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Keep hands away from your face, and do not rub your eyes.
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Change pillowcases and towels every night.
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Do not share pillows or towels.
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Wash hands frequently.
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Avoid shaking hands with others.
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Avoid swimming.
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Carefully clean away any discharge with warm water and clean cotton or gauze, and immediately discard.
Prevention
Strategies to avoid conjunctivitis include:
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Avoid exposure to chemical irritants.
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Do not share makeup or eye drops with anyone else.
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Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, pillows, and handkerchiefs.
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Wash hands frequently, and keep hands away from eyes.
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Wear watertight goggles when swimming.
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Clean contact lenses daily and never sleep with them unless approved by your eye doctor.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org
References:
Conjunctivitis. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/. Accessed February 23, 2001.
Viral conjunctivitis. Review of Optometry. 2001.
