by Administrator
7. December 2009 09:15
Conjunctivitis is swelling (inflammation) or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctiva). The conjunctiva is a thin membrane of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. The inflammation of the conjunctiva makes the white of the eye appears red.
Types
Conjunctivitis can be classified as infectious or non infectious.
- Infectious conjunctivitis accounts for 70% of all cases. It is caused either by a bacteria or a virus. Infectious conjunctivitis is very contagious.
- Non infectious conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, chemicals or underlying diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of Conjuctivitis
- Soreness, often described as gritty or burning feeling.
- Itchiness
- Redness of the whites of the eyes
- Watering or discharge
- Slight sensitivity to light
- Bacterial conjunctivitis likely to have some yellow pus- like discharge, which might make your eyelids stick together after sleep.
- Viral conjunctivitis is more likely to cause a watery discharge that can be crusty in the morning but is not pus like.
- Allergic conjunctivitis have symptoms like intense itching of the eye, swelling of the eye, redness in the eye, sneezing and running nose
Treatment
Treatment of the conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment. It may disappear on its own when the allergen is removed. Cool compresses may soothe allergic conjunctivitis. Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Discomfort in eyes can be soothed by applying warm compresses (clean cloths soaked in warm water) to the closed eyes.
Preventions and care
- Change pillowcases frequently
- Do not share eye cosmetics
- Do not share towels or handkerchiefs
- Handle and clean contact lenses properly
- Keep hands away from the eye
- Wash hands often
Seek immediate care if
- Sudden pain and swelling in your eyelids around the eyes become worse, even after taking pain medicine.
- Vision suddenly becomes worse
- Eye begins to bleed
For consultation with Eye Doctor in Harker Heights, Killeen and Fort Hood Texas, contact Killeen Eyecare Center.