| Conjuctivitis |
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What is it? |
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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. |
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What Causes it? |
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The common causes of
conjunctivitis are:
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Infection -
Virus, Bacteria, Chlamydia, etc.
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Allergy - to
dust, pollen, animal dandruff,
medicines, cosmetics, contact-lenses,
etc.
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Chemicals -
acid, alkali, cosmetics, contact lens
cleaning solutions, bleach in swimming
pool, etc.
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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). |
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What are the symptoms? |
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Redness
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Irritation
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Itching
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Watering
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Discharge
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Sticking of
eyelids
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Mild pain
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Swelling of
eyelids
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What is the treatment? |
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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. |
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What precautions can one take? |
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Some precautions may
help in making the patient more comfortable
during conjunctivitis and prevent its spread
to others.
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Discontinue
contact lenses immediately
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Do not share
handkerchief, towels and other
toiletries
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Avoid close
contact with people suffering from
conjunctivitis (casual interaction does
not lead to spread of infection)
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Wash your hands
immediately after taking care of a
family member suffering from
conjunctivitis
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Avoid swimming
if you have conjunctivitis
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Avoid swimming
during epidemics of conjunctivitis
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Avoid exposure
to dust pollution, chemicals, fumes and
bright sunlight
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Use sunglasses
if have conjunctivitis to avoid
discomfort from bright light and to
avoid alarming people around you
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Avoid crowded
places during epidemics
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Myths |
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Author: Dr. Sanjay Dhawan
Last Updated on: 1 March, 2014 |
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