Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid, the conjunctiva, and eyeball that occurs due to viruses, bacteria, or allergens. It affects the white parts of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid. It is very contagious when caused by viruses or bacteria, with adenovirus being a common viral cause.

Though conjunctivitis can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. Treatments can help ease the discomfort from the condition.

While not a form of conjunctivitis, another common eye infection is a stye, which is an infection that occurs when bacteria from the skin irritates the hair follicle of the eyelash, causing swelling and pain in the affected area. Eye infections can also be caused by injuries to the eye such as corneal scratches and from irritation due to chemicals in items such as makeup products.

What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Blurred vision
• Discharge from the eyes that forms a crust during the night
• Itching in one or both eyes
• Redness in one or both eyes
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light

What causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can be caused by several factors, common ones include:

• Viruses, including the kind that causes the common cold
• Bacteria
• Allergens such as pollen, dust or smoke
• Chemical splashes into the eye
• A foreign object in the eye
• A blocked tear duct

What are the risk factors of Conjunctivitis?

Though Conjunctivitis can happen to anyone, you may be more at risk if:

• Close contact with someone who has Conjunctivitis
• Wearing contact lens
• Catching a cold or other respiratory infection
• Being exposed to allergens

How do you prevent Conjunctivitis?

If you are around someone with conjunctivitis, you can protect yourself from pink eye by following these steps:

• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your eyes with unwashed hands. 
• Do not share items used by them: This includes pillows, pillowcases, washcloths, towels, and personal items such as eye drops, makeup brushes and makeup. 

How is Conjunctivitis diagnosed?

Eye Exam
A healthcare provider can diagnose conjunctivitis through a physical eye examination, asking about symptoms, and in some cases, taking a swab of eye discharge for laboratory analysis to determine the cause.