What is the conjunctiva?
The conjunctiva is the thin transparent lining of the eyeball, covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. Many different types of conjunctivitis exist such as infective (bacteria or virus), allergic, toxic, traumatic, autoimmune etc. Whilst some are distinctive in appearance, often it is difficult to differentiate and the diagnosis is made mainly on the history of the case such as how long the disease has existed, if recurrent, history of trauma, degree of pain or itch etc.
Conjunctivitis. Blood vessels over the white of the eye are dilated, giving the eye a red appearance.
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
The commonest conjunctivitis seen is viral, often in association with a cold or sore throat, and like the latter it is unpleasant, not serious and usually gets better with or without treatment after a few days. Symptoms include redness, discharge and watering, mild swelling of the eyelids, and a gritty feeling. Usually it starts in one eye and often spreads to the other. In most cases the condition worsens for 2-3 days before starting to gradually improve, although mild discomfort in the eyes may persist for 2-3 weeks after a bad infection.
Things to watch out for…
Usually there is no change in vision (except occasionally when there is a lot of discharge), and this may be a sign of a more serious condition.
No improvement after about 5-7 days probably warrants a recheck by the doctor.
Contact lens wearers should stop wearing their lenses immediately, in the presence of a red eye, and seek urgent medical advice, as they are prone to more serious infections of the cornea.
Severe swelling of the eyelids, especially in children may indicate deeper infection of the tissues around the eye, and may require oral antibiotics.
Treatment of Conjunctivitis
As most one off cases are viral, especially when a cold is present or others in the family are also infected, like a cold, it will also get better without treatment, just using warm compresses for comfort. Wiping away discharge is recommended.
Usually a combination antibiotic (to prevent secondary bacterial infection) and steroid anti-inflammatory drop/ointment is prescribed by the eye doctor for a few days if symptoms are more severe.
Hygiene is very important as many viral infections are highly infectious, passed on by direct hand contact. Wash your hands frequently!
Some Over the counter products merely constrict blood vessels making your eyes look whiter and temporarily feel less congested. They don’t actually treat any disease. Their regular use is to be avoided as they frequently cause allergies.
Other types of conjunctivitis, such as allergic conjunctivitis may require more long term treatment with anti-allergy preparations.
