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Conjunctivitis, sometimes
referred to as pink eye, is an infection or
inflammation of the conjunctiva - the thin,
protective membrane that covers the surface of
the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids. It
can be caused by bacteria, viruses and other
germs that are transmitted to the eye through
contaminated hands, towels, and eye makeup or
extended wear contacts. It can also result from
exposure to irritants such as chemicals, smoke
or dust; or by pollen and other allergens. It is
not uncommon for conjunctivitis to accompany a
cold or flu.
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Bacterial or viral
conjunctivitis is contagious and tends to be
prevalent in daycare centers and schools. It can
spread by direct person-to-person contact, in
airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed,
or from sharing makeup, towels and washcloths.
Its hallmark sign is redness in the white of the
eye that may be accompanied by increased tearing
and/or a discharge that is watery or thick with
mucus and pus and causes the eyelids to stick
together.
Although usually a minor problem that improves
within two weeks, some types can develop into
serious corneal inflammation and vision loss if
not treated. If you wear contact lenses and
suspect you have conjunctivitis, discontinue
wearing your contacts until the condition
clears; you may also need to replace your
contact lenses to prevent recurrence. |
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There are four primary types: |
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Bacterial
conjunctivitis can affect one or both
eyes and is usually accompanied by a
heavy, yellow discharge that may
cause the eyelids to stick together
in the morning. Caused by a variety
of bacteria, bacterial
conjunctivitis is treated with
antibiotic eye drops and typically
resolves within 5 days. If there is
concurrent inflammation of the
eyelids, your eye care provider may also
recommend an eyelid scrub to remove
bacteria and dried mucous from the
lid margin.
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Viral
conjunctivitis is often caused by
adenoviruses, the family responsible
for upper-respiratory illnesses such
as colds, but can also result from
herpes simplex and other viruses.
This type can also affect either one
or both eyes, and usually causes a
lighter discharge. Although viral
conjunctivitis usually produces a
superficial case that clears on its
own within two weeks, you should
still see your eyecare provider to
ensure it doesn't lead to a more
serious infection that can involve
the cornea.
Antibiotics are ineffective for
viral conjunctivitis. Artificial
tears may be used, or your doctor
may recommend a topical
anti-inflammatory drop to relieve
discomfort. Topical or oral
anti-herpetic medications can help
suppress herpes viral infections.
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Allergic
conjunctivitis results from a
response to airborne pollen, dust,
smoke, or environmental agents. Both
eyes are usually affected and may
itch, tear excessively and discharge
a stringy mucous. You may also have
other allergic reactions, such as a
runny or itchy nose. Depending on
the severity, your eye doctor may
prescribe topical drops that are
effective in relieving the itching
and discomfort. A very specific kind
of allergic conjunctivitis may occur
in contact lens wearers,
if they do not clean the lenses well
or if the lenses are not replaced
often enough. Several treatments are
available for this condition,
including prescription allergy
drops, changing contact lens
solutions to keep the lenses
cleaner, and changing to lenses that
are replaced more frequently such as
daily disposable contacts.
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Chemical
conjunctivitis is caused by exposure
to irritating liquids, powders, or
fumes and requires immediate action.
Common irritants in include
chlorine, detergents, fuels,
ammonia, smoke and pesticides.
First, flush the eye with cold water
continuously for 15 minutes, then
have the eyes evaluated by your eye
doctor. For minor irritants such as
chlorine, often artificial tears
will effectively resolve the
irritation. For chemicals burns from
a strong acid or base, emergency
medical treatment is needed.
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Conjunctivitis-
Signs and Symptoms |
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Viral conjunctivitis |
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Watery Discharge |
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Irritation |
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Red Eye |
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Usually begins with one
eye but may spread easily to the fellow
eye |
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| Allergic conjunctivitis |
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Usually affects both
eyes |
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Itching |
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Tearing |
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Swollen eyelids |
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| Bacterial conjunctivitis |
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Stringy discharge that
may cause the lids to stick together,
after sleeping |
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Swelling of the
conjunctiva |
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Redness |
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Usually affects only
one eye but may spread to the fellow eye |
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If you suspect
conjunctivitis, see an
eye
doctor as soon as
possible. |
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Your eye will
be examined to determine
the specific cause of
the inflammation and
your eye doctor will
determine what the best
course of treatment to
resolve the condition. |
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People with conjunctivitis should:
Wash their hands after touching or wiping their
eyes.
Avoid touching other people unless hands are
freshly washed.
Throw away or carefully wash items that touch
their eyes.
Not share eye makeup or other items used on
their eyes (for example, towels, or tissues).
Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Consult your doctor in case medication is
needed.
See a doctor if the eye discharge is yellow, if
the eye or eyelid is red, or if the symptoms
don’t start
improving after 2-3 days. See a
doctor immediately if the symptoms suggest a
more severe infection.
Be excluded from school and child care settings
until cleared by a health care provider that it
is not
contagious, after taking antibiotics
for 24 hours, or until symptoms have resolved. |
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