Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an eye infection or it can also be an inflammation . Your conjunctiva is the clear layer that is very thin that is in the inner surface of your eyelids. The conjunctiva covers all of the eye. Another name for this eye infection is "pink eye." Sometimes pink eye is brought on by another virus in the body or other bacteria in the body. Allergies may also play a big role in bringing on pink eye, or chlorine that is placed in pool water may instigate it. Symptoms of pink eye include: Feeling that you have a lot of sand, (grit), in the eyes Itchy eyes or eyes that are burning a lot Watery eyes A discharge coming from your eyes Eyes that are all swollen A pink or red discoloring of the eye Intolerance to bright lights Causes The cause is brought on by whatever the offeensive ingredient is to you whether it be air pollutants, abnormal bodily processes, or substances that you might have rubbed near the eye. Types of Pink Eye Allergic Responses If you have allergies or are sensitive to certain types of substances Bacterial Types If there is a type of staph infection you are having, or a respiratory illness Viral Types If there is a virus present in your body such as the colds or respiratory infections, this is likely to bring on a case of pink eye. Opthalmia Neonatorum This is the more severe type of pink eye and is bacterial in its nature. Newborn children are likely to contract this type. Damage to the eyes that is lasting may occur with this form of conjunctivitis. There is a Chemical type of pink eye that is brought on by strong chemical exposure or air pollution.
When seeing a doctor for this condition, they will take a close look at the eye, the conjunctiva, and external eye. A bright light will be used for magnification into the eye area. Cultures taken will test the tissue of the conjunctiva, especially if this is an ongoing problem. Treatments for Conjunctivitis The goal is to make you feel more comfortable while clearing up the problem. Getting away from the irritant or irritants that caused the problem is the first step. Doctors will probably prescribe a non-steroidal medication and allergy medications to clear it up. If you have a chronic problem, the steroid eye drops will do more good than anything. For bacterial types of pink eye, eye drops that have antibiotics will likely clear the problems within a few days. Viral causes are harder to treat since antibiotics really will not touch a virus type. Eye drops that are steroidal will probably ease up the problem and clear it up within a few days. Eye drops will also ease your discomfort. Chemical Eyes will need flushing out with a saline solution. After that, you'll likely take a topical steroid prescribed by your doctor. If you have had a serious chemical burning, this calls for immediate medical treatment. You should not wear contact lenses when this infection is present. They will only irritate the eyes that much more. If the contacts caused the problem to begin with, your doctor will need to switch out to another lenses type. Good eye care for prevention of conjunctivitis Never rub your eyes with your bare hands after touching other things. Wash hands before touching eyes to begin with. Don't use the same towels and washcloths over again. Be aware of make-up you are using. Sometimes mascara and eye shadows are irritating to your eyes. Be very careful using your contact lenses. Sterilize them as directed. |
