What is Conjunctivitis?

Summer time & rains - the stage is set for eye infections to spread.

The surface of the white of the eye and the back surface of eyelids is covered by a thin protective membrane called conjunctiva. Inflammation i.e. redness & swelling, of this membrane is called conjunctivitis.

What causes it?

The common causes of conjunctivitis are:

• Infection - Virus, Bacteria, Chlamydia, etc.
• Allergy - to dust, pollen, animal dandruff, medicines, cosmetics, contact-lenses, etc.
• Chemicals - acid, alkali, cosmetics, contact lens cleaning solutions, bleach in swimming pool, etc.
• Injury - mechanical, heat, radiation, etc.

Viral infections are prone to occur as epidemics during rainy season when the body immunity may be low and the conditions are favorable for spread of infection. Infection tends to spread by direct contact, fingers, flies and fomites (e.g. towel, toiletries, etc).

Symptoms

• Redness
• Irritation
• Itching
• Watering
• Discharge
• Sticking of eyelids
• Mild pain
• Swelling of eyelids

Treatment

Ideally one should consult eye surgeon immediately and proper treatment initiated. But if medical help is not immediately available then it may help to wash the eye gently with clean water, do some cold compresses using ice packs, and instill some mild antibiotic drops (e.g., Chloramphenicol, etc.). Self-medication should be avoided as far as possible and in no case should you use steroid eye drops without proper medical advice.

Treatment should be carried on as advised by your eye surgeon and for the specified duration.

Precautions

Some precautions may help in making the patient more comfortable during conjunctivitis and prevent its spread to others.

• Discontinue contact lenses immediately
• Do not share handkerchief, towels and other toiletries
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from conjunctivitis (casual interaction does not lead to spread of infection)
• Wash your hands immediately after taking care of a family member suffering from conjunctivitis
• Avoid swimming if you have conjunctivitis
• Avoid swimming during epidemics of conjunctivitis
• Avoid exposure to dust pollution, chemicals, fumes and bright sunlight
• Use sunglasses if have conjunctivitis to avoid discomfort from bright light and to avoid alarming people around you
• Avoid crowded places during epidemics

Myths

• Conjunctivitis can not be contracted by looking at the eyes of a patient of conjunctivitis
• Rose water or other such remedies do not help relieve conjunctivitis

Author - Dr. Sanjay Dhawan

Last updated - 09 August, 2007

New Delhi, India

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Search the web: Thanks for visiting this website! This site has been visited times. Please come again to see future updates. This page was last edited by Dr. Sanjay Dhawan on 09 August, 2007. To send mail to the editor click here! URL: sdhawan.com E-mail: sdhawan@sdhawan.com