VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

              VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

WHAT IS ??

>>Viral conjunctivitis is another common type of pink eye that is highly contagious as airborne viruses can be spread through sneezing and coughing. Viral conjunctivitis can also accompany common viral upper respiratory infections such as measles, the flu or the common cold.

Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery discharge. Typically the infection starts in one eye and quickly spreads to the other eye.

Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated.

Treatment of viral conjunctivitis usually involves supportive therapies, such as eye drops, that help reduce the symptoms: for example, vasoconstrictors to whiten the eye, decongestants to reduce the surface swelling and antihistamines to reduce occasional itching.

Treatments usually are continued for one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.

Just as a cold must run its course, the same is true for this form of pinkeye, which usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Remember, it can be very contagious, so do everything you can to prevent its spread. Antibiotics will not help anything caused by a virus.

Between 65% and 90% of cases of viral conjunctivitis are caused by adenoviruses, and they produce 2 of the common clinical entities associated with viral conjunctivitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever, and epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

RISK FACTORS--

• Exposure to someone infected with the viral form of conjunctivitis.
• Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses.

Causes of viral conjunctivitis

• Enteroviruses.
• Herpes simplex virus, the cold sore virus, which usually affects only one eye.
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, associated with shingles.
• Molluscum contagiosum, also known as water warts.
• Measles.
• Mumps.
• Rubella, also known as German measles.
• Infectious mononucleosis.
• HIV

Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis often begins in one eye and spreads to the other within a day or two. Symptoms may include:

• Pinkness or, typically, intense redness of the eye
• Burning, a sensation of grittiness or mild pain or discomfort in the eye
• Watery discharge from the eye, sometimes with a small amount of mucus
• Crustiness around the eyelids upon waking in the morning
• Swollen, red eyelids
• Slight sensitivity to bright light
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ears
• Other symptoms of viral infection, e.g. runny nose, sore throat and cough in the case of a cold

SIGN--

• Photophobia
• Watery discharge
• Redness

TREATMENT-------

• Generally are self-limited and treated supportively with cool or warm compresses for comfort.
• Topical antihistamines to limit redness and itching,
• Chilled artificial tears for comfort,
• Topical antibiotics are as necessary to prevent bacterial superinfection.

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