Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (commonly called " pinkeye " in the USA and " Madras Eye " in India ) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner physiognomy of the eyelids ) usually due to infection. The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral , allergic, and bacterial. Each needs different treatments. Classification normally is based on cause, including viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, toxic, chlamydial, chemical, and allergic agents. When you wake up in the morning, your eyes may seem to be pasted shut from the discharge flowing from your eyes. Viral conjunctivitis is spread by aerosol or contact of a variety of infectious viruses, including many that cause the common cold, so that it is generally related with upper respiratory tract symptoms. As with any mucous membrane, contagious agents may adhere to the conjunctiva, thus overwhelming normal apologia mechanisms and producing clinical symptoms of redness, discharge, irritation, and possibly photophobia. Pink eye and red eye are terms commonly used to ascribe to all types of conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by bigotry to substances such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs. But as pink eye can be contagious, it should be diagnosed and treated initially. This is particularly important for preschool-age children, who commonly expatiate both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and curable eye infections in children and adults. Most causes of conjunctivitis are altruistic, and the role of the emergency physician is to separate those few conditions requiring more vigorous treatment from the majority that can be handled satisfactorily in the ED. Severe conjunctivitis is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the clear covering (the conjunctiva) which coats the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lids. The viral type is usually associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. The whites of your eyes may embark to have a pink discoloration, and you may not see as clearly as you did before. The accessory lacrimal glands (Krause and Wolfring), along with goblet cells, are comprehended within the conjunctiva and are responsible for keeping the eye lubricated. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus.Although the inflammation of pink eye makes it an irritating condition, it rarely affects your sight. If you equivocal pink eye, you can take steps to ease your discomfort. Viral etiologies are more common than bacterial, and prevalence of viral conjunctivitis increases in the late fall and early spring. Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but is not a acute health risk if diagnosed piquely.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

The common Causes of Conjunctivitis :

• Gram-positive for the following cocci - Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Vernal conjunctivitis is a bilateral isochronal hypersensitivity that occurs during the warm months of the year, particularly in hot climates.
• Virus infection may also occur.
• Allergic reactions, eg. hayfever, may cause conjunctivitis, but do not often cause a sticky dispense.
• A chemical splash in the eye
• This type of conjunctivitis can spread frequently between people and may cause an epidemic of conjunctivitis.
• A foreign object in the eye
• Viral (e.g. from cold viruses)
• Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine
• Allergies, like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy which affects some contact lens wearers.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Some common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis :

• The eye is red, with the blood vessels around the white of the eye more visible and swollen. The lining of the eyelids also appears redder or pinker than usual.
• The eye is sticky, with a discharge, that is worse when you wake up.
• Infection usually commences with one eye, but may spread easily to the fellow eye
• Swollen eyelids
• Swelling of the conjunctiva
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep.
• Green or white discharge from the eye.
• Increased sensitivity to light.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

• Patients who desire to return to hydrogel (soft) CLs should use peroxide disinfection systems or everyday disposable hydrogel CLs.
• Topical mast cell-stabilizing solutions (eg, cromolyn sodium, lodoxamide) may offer a pharmacological option for these patients, though CL cessation is the most effective treatment.
• Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone else, and wash these items after each use.
• Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, including STDs, is treated with antibiotics, in the form of eye drops, ointments, or pills.
• There are proprietary eye washes and lotions that may placate the eyes, and at least one eye treatment which is for mild infections, but in general these are merely a temporary measure.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is generally treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments which cover a wide range of bacteria.
• A physical examination usually unveils redness and swelling of blood vessels in the conjunctiva.
• Just as a cold must run its course, so must this form of conjunctivitis, which will last from 4 to 7 days.
• Allergy-associated conjunctivitis should be appraised by your ophthalmologist and an allergist.
• There is no effective treatment for viral conjunctivitis but the eyes may be made more affluent by using a lubricant ointment such as Lacri-Lube