Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye
At glance: Conjunctivitis
Signs and symptoms include red or pink eyes, itching or burning sensation, wateryness, and unusual discharge from the eyes.
Diagnosis involves eye examination and lab tests.
Treatments are medicated drops and eye ointments.
What is conjunctivitis in simple term?
Conjunctivitis is commonly known as ‘pink eye‘ being utilized to describe anything that causes the white of the eyes to become red and inflamed.
As a result, some of the effects are redness and swelling that create an appearance in which we describe as being pink eye.
It can be either in one or both eyes and while it is mostly mild, at times this disease could lead into serious complications if not treated.
Different types include bacterial, viral, allergen and irritant conjunctivitis should be managed by the best expert depending on diagnosis as treatment varies.
What is the main causes of Pink Eye
Pink eye may happen for a lot of reasons, including infections, allergies, and irritants. For the selection of the correct treatment onset, identification of cause is important.
Infectious Causes of Pink Eye
Transmission: bacterial though which include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae and Chlamydia trachomatis
With bacterial pink eye, you would experience a discharge that is typically thick and yellow or greenish.
Viral Pink Eye
Usually caused by adenoviruses, viral pink eye may accompany a respiratory infection such as the common cold.
It is highly infectious, affects usually both eyes (may occur early on in one eye before spreading to the next) and leads to watery discharge with itch.
Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Also, allergens like pollen (1), dust mites (2) and the animal proteins found in pet dander are common triggers as well mold.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not a contagious condition that can also be associated with severe itching, redness and watering.
Irritant Conjunctivitis:
Aggravated by smoke, chlorine or exposure to pollution and chemicals Often it causes redness and irritation but not infectious or allergic
Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary with the cause, but the common signs include the following:
Redness: It is due to inflammation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva, which makes the eye look pink or red.
Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids.
Itching: It is more common in allergic conjunctivitis but may also be seen in other forms.
Discharge:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This conjunctivitis causes a thick yellowish or greenish discharge and causes the lids to stick together, mostly in the morning.
Viral Conjunctivitis: The discharge is typically watery and accompanies other symptoms of common cold.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: This causes watery discharge along with intense itchiness.
Tearing: This is the common presentation for all types of conjunctivitis.
Photophobia: Some patients have a mild photophobia.
Sensation of foreign body in the eye: Grittiness
Risk Factors for Pink Eye
Several factors predispose to Pink eye:
Age: Children tend to be more prone especially to viral and bacterial Pink eye.
Close Contact: Risk of transmission is higher through close contact with someone who already has Pink eye,
especially in the context of infectious conjunctivitis.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to allergens or irritating agents such as smoke or chemicals may predispose to infections.
Seasonal Allergies: Those who tend to have allergies, often to pollen, may get allergic conjunctivitis.
Contact Lens Use: Poor fitting or extended use of contact lenses can lead to irritation and increase the risk of acquiring bacterial conjunctivitis.
Weakened Immunity: People with weakened immunity are more prone to infections that may lead to conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis of Pink Eye
Diagnosis of conjunctivitis is mainly by physical examination and history taking. These are the main steps of diagnosing conjunctivitis:
Medical History and Symptom Review
The patient will be asked about the development of symptoms, presence of any associated conditions, such as allergies or recent illnesses, and known exposure to irritants or infected individuals.
Physical Examination
The eye is visually examined. The attention is placed on the conjunctiva, eyelids, and the areas surrounding it.
Special attention is paid to the color and type of discharge as well as swelling or redness.
Laboratory Tests (If Necessary)
Swab Sample: In cases of suspected bacterial infection, swab of the discharge will be taken to identify specific bacteria.
This is helpful, especially if symptoms do not subside with standard treatment.
Allergy Testing: The allergy test may be indicated in cases of suspected allergic conjunctivitis
Differential Diagnosis
For the disease to be diagnosed and differentiated from uveitis, keratitis, or blepharitis with its own particular treatments,
one has to undergo tests by specialized eyes or be directed to an ophthalmologist for advanced examination.
Treatment of Pink Eye
The nature of pink eye determines its treatment, and it may include any of the following:
Bacterial Pink Eye
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: Drugs like erythromycin and sulfacetamide can help shorten the course of illness.
Hygiene Care : Hand washing is very helpful. Patients are made not to touch the conjunctiva as this can readily start spreading infection.
Viral Pink Eye
These typically resolve on their own for patients within one and two weeks. Cool compress, artificial tears, along with proper hygiene, soothes patients.
Avoidance of Spread Infection: Viral Conjunctivitis is strongly virulent. Therefore, careful infection can be avoided during time,
and good care shall also be taken as necessary in hygiene.
Allergic Pink Eye
Antihistamine Eye Drops: Olopatadine and ketotifen may be used to decrease itching and redness.
Decongestant Eye Drops: These may be used to reduce redness, but their long-term use is not recommended as they cause potential side effects.
Oral Antihistamines: In more serious conditions, cetirizine or loratadine taken orally may reduce allergic reactions
Irritant Pink Eye
Removal of the Irritant: This is the first line treatment. Flush the eye with clean water or saline solution.
Artificial tears: These may help alleviate symptoms, especially in cases of dryness and irritation persist
General Recommendations for All Types of Pink Eye
Avoid Contact Lenses: Do not wear your contact lenses until your symptoms have cleared up.
Warm or Cold Compresses: Alternating warm and cool compresses relieves areas that itch and swell
Good Hygiene: Regualr hand washing, changing of pillow cases, and refusal to share personal items such as towels prevent the transmission of infectious conjunctivitis
Prevention of Pink Eye
Good Hygiene
Washing hands regularly
Avoid eye touching
And reduces chance of transmission.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Towels, washcloths, and cosmetics should not be shared to avoid spreading infections.
Proper Contact Lens Hygiene: Adherence to proper lens care and avoiding extended wear should also reduce conjunctivitis,
especially of the bacterial and irritant forms.
Avoidance of Allergen Exposure: People with allergic conjunctivitis should avoid exposure to allergens as much as possible
by using air purifiers and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons.