Types of conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the white of the eye and the inner area of the eyelids. There are three types of conjunctivitis that vary according to their cause: bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
This disease is a frequent reason for visiting the ophthalmologist and can occur at any time of the year. Conjunctivitis is very common in spring, due to pollen. In summer, it is common due to bacteria in swimming pools and, in autumn, due to flu viruses and colds.
Types of conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the white of the eye and the inner area of the eyelids. There are three types of conjunctivitis that vary according to their cause: bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
This disease is a frequent reason for visiting the ophthalmologist and can occur at any time of the year. Conjunctivitis is very common in spring, due to pollen. In summer, it is common due to bacteria in swimming pools and, in autumn, due to flu viruses and colds.
What is conjunctivitis?
La conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. Remember that the conjunctiva is the transparent and thin tissue that covers the eyeball and the inner part of the eyelids.
The different types of conjunctivitis are characterized by redness of the ocular structure. This is because the blood vessels of the conjunctiva dilate and become more visible when the tissue becomes inflamed.
Types of conjunctivitis that are
There are 3 types of conjunctivitis according to its cause. Let's know what they are:
Allergic conjunctivitis
La allergic conjunctivitis is the one that happens when the eyes come into contact with an allergenic factor. This conjunctival inflammation is almost always caused by pollen, dust mites, fungus, or mold.
When the body comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system overreacts, increasing the production of antibodies. The excessive liberation of histamine is what causes symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Once you allergy is controlled and histamine levels return to normal, the discomfort disappears.
Allergic conjunctivitis causes the following symptoms:
- Ocular redness
- Itchy eyes.
- Eye pain
- Excessive tearing.
- Inflammation of the eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Sensation of having a foreign body in the eye.
Unlike the other types of conjunctivitis, the allergic one almost never causes eye discharge. However, it can be accompanied by other symptoms common in allergic reactions, such as hives, rhinitis and cough.
Allergic conjunctivitis It is not a contagious disease. This type of conjunctivitis can occur at any time of the year, although it is more common in spring and summer. If preventive measures are not taken against the allergen, it can become a chronic condition.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
La bacterial conjunctivitis Is that which is caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus, and Chlamydia trachomatis.
This type of conjunctivitis is highly contagious and tends to affect children more than adults. In newborns, bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria that were present in the birth canal during the birth of the baby.
Neonatal bacterial conjunctivitis is almost always caused by the pathogens that cause chlamydia or gonorrhea. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary for the mother to inform her doctor who has a sexually transmitted infection before giving birth.
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually heals in 7-10 days, and can cause the following symptoms:
- Yellowish or whitish eye secretions.
- Crusting of the eyelashes.
- Ocular redness
- Pain, irritation, or burning.
- Crying eyes.
- Ocular itching
- Inflamed eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Sensation of having a foreign body inside the eyes.
Viral conjunctivitis
This type of conjunctivitis it is the most common and the one that can take the longest to heal. It can be caused by various viruses, but it is closely associated with the flu and colds.
La viral conjunctivitis it is highly contagious and can spread easily from one person to another. In most cases, contagion occurs through droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person.
Viral conjunctivitis also causes eye redness, and it does not always cause eye discharge. The most frequent symptoms are:
- Itchy eyes.
- Excessive tearing.
- Excess flushing in the eyes.
- Eye pain
- Sensitivity to light.
- Sensation of having a foreign body inside the eyes.
Unlike the other conjunctivitis, the viral may be accompanied by other common symptoms in viral diseases like: fever, sore throat, sneezing and cough.
How to treat them?
The different types of conjunctivitis are treated through eye drop administration. These medications are ideal for treating eye conditions because they act directly on the affected area.
Allergic conjunctivitis
For treat allergic conjunctivitis It is important to know what is the allergen factor that triggers this reaction in the body. The ophthalmologist may recommend the patient attend an allergist to perform allergy tests.
Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with eye drops that contain antihistamines. If the allergy is chronic, it is likely that a preventive use medication will be prescribed.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
La bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with eye drops that contain antibiotic medications. These eye drops are sold by prescription and their content may vary depending on the bacteria that caused the disease.
Viral conjunctivitis
It is not always necessary to apply a treatment for viral conjunctivitis as tends to get better on its own. However, it is recommended to apply anti-inflammatory or analgesic eye drops to alleviate the symptoms of this disease.
Eye hygiene plays a fundamental role in the treatment of all types of conjunctivitis. Necessary keep eyes clean to prevent the condition from getting worse. The most advisable thing is to clean the eyes 5 times a day using physiological serum.
How to prevent conjunctivitis?
Please note the following tips to prevent conjunctivitis:
- Wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap.
- Don't touch or rub your eyes with dirty hands.
- When you are on the street disinfect your hands frequently with alcohol or antibacterial wipes.
- Do not lend your glasses or contact lenses.
- Do not share any items for personal use such as pillows, towels, makeup, cosmetics, etc.
- Keep your home windows closed on high pollination days.
- Install a pollen filter in your car.
- Clean your home with a vacuum cleaner to combat dust build-up.
- Avoid fabric rugs and curtains in your house and / or room.
