CONJUNCTIVITIS

                                 CONJUNCTIVITIS

WHAT IS CONJUNCTIVITIS?

>> Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis also is known as "pink eye"

Though the pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision.

Pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread.

CAUSE:-

1. Bacterial conjunctivitis --

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious. An infection from bacteria causes this form of pink eye. With bacterial conjunctivitis, you have sore, red eyes with a lot of sticky pus.

2. Viral conjunctivitis -- 

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. This conjunctivitis is very contagious and often spreads through schools and other crowded places. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge.

3. Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke

4. A reaction to eyedrops

5. Fungi, amoebas & parasites.

6. An allergic reaction to things like pollen, dust, smoke.

CLASSIFICATION --

Bacterial conjunctivitis --

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious. An infection from bacteria causes this form of pink eye. With bacterial conjunctivitis, you have sore, red eyes with a lot of sticky pus, 
this type of conjunctivitis can cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated.Some bacterial infections, however, may cause little or no discharge. 

Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is easily spread from person to person.

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be quite contagious. The most common ways to get the contagious form of pink eye include:

• Direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, usually through hand-to-eye contact.
• Spread of the infection from bacteria living in the person's own nose and sinuses.
• Not cleaning contact lenses properly. Using poorly fitting contact lenses or decorative contacts are risks as well.

Children are the people most likely to get pink eye from bacteria or viruses. This is because they are in close contact with so many others in school or daycare centers. Also, they don't practice good hygiene.

Viral conjunctivitis -- 

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. This conjunctivitis is very contagious and often spreads through schools and other crowded places. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge.

Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by the same virus that causes the runny nose and sore throat of the common cold.

This type of pink eye is very contagious but usually will clear up on its own within several days without medical treatment.

Allergic conjunctivitis--

Sometimes having an allergic reaction to pollen or animals can cause conjunctivitis. The irritation can also come from cigarette smoke, car fumes, pool chlorine or other toxic substances. The main symptom of allergic pink eye is itchy eyes. Other symptoms include red, burning and tearing eyes and puffy eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

SYMPTOMS-- 

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Swollen conjunctiva
• More tears than usual
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep. It can make your eyelids stick shut when you wake up.
• Green or white discharge from the eye
• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurred vision
• More sensitive to light
• Swollen lymph nodes (often from a viral infection)

TREATMENT------

Conjunctivitis treatment depends on the types of conjunctivitis you have. 

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS-- Antibiotic eye drops, ointments  & antibiotic pills { 3 to 4 times a day for 5 to 7 days}.

VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS---

There are no specific treatments. Your body fights the virus on its own. Placing a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can help make them feel more comfortable.

Patients should do the following:

• Use hand sanitizer and/or wash their hands thoroughly after touching their eyes or nasal secretions
• Avoid touching the noninfected eye after touching the infected eye
• Avoid sharing towels or pillows
• Avoid swimming in pools

Topical antihistamines to limit redness and itching, chilled artificial tears for comfort, and topical antibiotics as necessary to prevent bacterial superinfection.

 **** ANTIVIRAL DRUGS 

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS------

Oral antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine.

Antihistamine eye drops include Alaway and Zaditor. The eye drops will relieve symptoms in the eyes, but the oral dose will also help treat a runny nose and other symptoms.

Precautions-- 

• Avoiding the allergen
• Avoiding contact lenses
• Refraining from rubbing the eyes