Conjunctivitis: Types, causes, Symptoms, treatment

Introduction:

Conjunctivitis can also be termed pink eye. It is an inflammation of the thin-layered tissue which covers the white part of the eye called the conjunctiva.

It spreads directly from one person to another, hence it is highly widespread. Kids catch it a lot from schools. But conjunctivitis is barely serious. it never has a serious effect on the eye like vision damage etc.

If it is analyzed and treated instantly, it will get better in no time. Its spread can be prevented by taking care of the things your healthcare provider prevented, pink eye does not have any long-term issues.

Causes of conjunctivitis:

The things causing pinkeye may include:

Bacteria
Viruses, responsible for flue
Fungi, parasites, amoebas
An allergic response to dust, smoke, pollens or contact lenses, allergic substances like chlorine, shampoo, dirt
An adverse effect due to eye drops

Various other factors cause conjunctivitis

Gonorrheal infection can be a hazardous form of bacterial pink eye. It may result in vision loss if remained untreated.

conjunctivitis can be a byproduct of sexually transmitted diseases. may be transmitted from mother to newborn baby through the placenta. If this happens tell your doctor immediately as it might cause newborn infants’ vision damage

The term pink eye is not an authorized term for conjunctivitis, most ophthalmologists would likely use the term pink eye for mild conjunctivitis resulting from a virus or bacteria.

would likely use the term pink eye for mild conjunctivitis resulting from a virus or bacteria.

Types of conjunctivitis:

3.1 Viral conjunctivitis: is the most common type and also the most contagious form of pink eye. The infection initially involves one eye and within a few days, another eye may involve.

In both eyes, they induce plenty of tears and watery discharge. A swollen lymph node may seem under the jawbone.

3.2 Bacterial conjunctivitis: usually affects one eye but can indicate an infection in both eyes. The main symptom of bacterial pink eye is the presence of pus and mucus.

3.3 Allergic conjunctivitis: shows symptoms like itching, tearing, and redness in both eyes. You might experience a runny and itchy nose.

3.4 Ophthalmia neonatorum: this is a type of pink eye that involves newborns. The infection is bacterial in origin and requires immediate treatment, or else permanent damage or blindness may occur.

3.5 A giant papillary: is an allergic response to a foreign body that presents inside the eye for a long duration, it may be a contact lens or a prosthetic eye.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis:

Redness in the conjunctiva.
Swelling of white of the eye.
Teary eyes.
Itching of eyes.
White or green discharge from the eyes.

Yellow discharge, thick in consistency, sticky in nature, coming out from eyes that make eyelids get stuck after sleeping.

Burning eyes.
The blurring of vision.
Photo phobia.
Lymph node swelling.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis:

different types of conjunctivitis depend on the symptoms presented by the affected person.

The ophthalmologist may do a thorough eye examination.

And can take fluid from the eyelid through a cotton swab for further evaluation of its origin, whether the infection is viral or bacterial.

many ophthalmologists may refer the patient to a physician, to rule out migraine as a differential diagnosis.

Treatment of conjunctivitis:

6.1 Viral: pink eye can be treated with the help of antiviral eye drops, ointments, or antiviral pills. One thing to remember here is that there is no role for antibiotics in viral cases.

6.2 Bacterial: conjunctivitis can be treated with the help of antibiotic eye drops, ointments, or antibiotic pills.

6.3 Allergic: pink eye can be get treated by using antihistamines.