Definition:
Conjunctivitis, most commonly named “Pink Eye” is a very common problem of the eye that can affect people of almost all ages. This is an irritating and contagious eye infection and occurs due to plenty of factors, such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, pollutants, pesticides as well as other types of irritants.
Etymology:
- Conjunctivitis comes from two words, i.e., Conjunctiva (a membrane that covers the front of the eye making a lining inside the eye) & itis (means inflammation).
- Pink eye is commonly used due to morphological alteration of a normal eye after infections.
Other names of conjunctivitis:
It is also named pink eye, redness of the eye, Madras eye, and eye flue.
Contagious vs non-contagious conjunctivitis:
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious while conjunctivitis due to allergens, irritants, or giant-papillary conjunctivitis is non-contagious.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:
The symptoms of conjunctivitis are mostly linked to its type and causative agents. These vary from moderate to severe. But the most commonly occurring symptoms are;
- Pinkish eye/redness of the eye (hyperemia)
- Inflammation of membrane (Conjunctiva)
- Creamy white or thick yellow discharge that causes eyelids to be red, puffy, or sticky together
- Excessive tears/water discharge
- Swelling in eyes, especially in eyelids
- Burning/itching
- Photophobia/sensitivity to light
- Gritty sensations
- Sticky eyelids
Types of Conjunctivitis:
Conjunctivitis is classified on the basis of infections into several types;
- Viral Conjunctivitis: The most contagious type of pink eye, that is associated with common cold-like symptoms, redness, and watery discharge and affects one or both eyes. It is complicated with other types of infections.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: The most contagious type of pink eye, it is characterized by yellow-green discharge, sticky eyelids, redness, and severe irritations. It is also complicated with other types of infections.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis results in itching, pain, soreness, and redness.
- Irritant conjunctivitis: Its symptoms are much like allergic conjunctivitis, i.e., itching, pain, soreness, and redness.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye most commonly occurs in one eye and this results in pain, redness, and watery discharge.
Causes of conjunctivitis:
- Viral infections: The most common viruses that are involved in the pink eye are adenovirus, herpes virus, & enterovirus.
- Bacterial infections: The bacteria that are responsible for pink eye are staphylococcus aureus or staphylococcus pneumoniae.
- Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis occurs due to different types of allergens like Particulate matter, dust, microscopic particles, mites, or pet dander.
- Irritants: Contact with different irritants such as various pollutants like smoke, chlorine, debris, chlorine, and pesticides causes pink eye.
- Contact lenses: Mishandling and improper use of contact lenses also result in pink eye.
Diagnosis, Prevention & Treatment:
Diagnosis of pink eye:
As for good treatment, we must know the first type of conjunctivitis a person has. For this purpose, it is crucial to consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The following type of diagnosis is performed by the professionals.
- Symptomatic examination: A doctor distinguishes the type of conjunctivitis by its symptoms, like a sticky eye in the morning is bacterial conjunctivitis, flu-like symptoms appear due to viral conjunctivitis, etc.
- Slit lamp examination: It is an examination by microscope with a bright light used for a closer look into the eyes.
- Culture of eye swabs: This type of exam is required for the isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Preventive measures for pink eye:
Practicing good eye hygiene and reducing causative agents of conjunctivitis are good preventive measures for conjunctivitis infections;
- Washing hands regularly with antiseptic soap and sanitizers.
- Avoid sharing towels, pillows, handkerchiefs, or makeup.
- Contact lenses and their case must be very hygienic.
- Avoid allergens and irritants.
Treatment for pink eye:
Treatment for conjunctivitis is decided after diagnosis and it is associated with the type of conjunctivitis:
- Viral Conjunctivitis: There is no typical antiviral medication for viral conjunctivitis. The most commonly used treatments are eye lubrication, artificial tears, cold compresses, and symptomatic treatments.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis there is a use of antibiotics, such as tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, etc. It must be noted that an antibiotic course will be completed according to instructions of ophthalmologists otherwise chances of a strain development.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: In case of allergic conjunctivitis healthcare professionals usually prescribe to use of antihistamine eye drops that reduce pain and inflammations in the eye.
- Irritant conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is more prevalent in laborers who work in a pollutant atmosphere. Its best solution is removing irritants with clean water and the use of eye lubricants.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is treated by lens hygiene and the use of disposable lenses.
Home Remedies for conjunctivitis:
The following home remedies with provide sufficient relief and comfort:
- Use of sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from allergens, irritants, and strong lights (in case of photophobia)
- Cleanliness: The use of hygiene and cleanliness is the first line of defense in the protection and treatment of Conjunctivitis. It reduces further complications.
- Use of lubricants: Lubricants such as artificial tears, are very good in relieving pain and redness.
- Avoidance of allergens and irritants: In the case of pink further contact with allergens and irritants worsens the problems and results in severe internal injuries and trauma. So we should avoid allergens, irritants, and pollutants.
- Warm compresses: The use of warm compresses results in the reduction of inflammation and discomfort.
Eyes are the most precious gift provided by Almighty Allah. pink eye infection is a serious infection that will be complicated if not treated properly. It mostly occurred due to viruses, bacteria, allergens, irritants, and the use of contact lenses. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, and along with treatment good hygiene and preventive measures are very crucial for its eradication.