Conjunctivitis
La conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, a white membrane that covers part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctivitis is one of the most common pathologies in ophthalmolgy and can affect both children and adults.
One of the main symptoms of conjunctivitis is the Red eye produced by the visualization of blood vessels that make up the conjunctiva.
different types of conjunctivitis which are classified according to the causative agent and, in the same way, different treatments for each of the conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis
La conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, a white membrane that covers part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctivitis is one of the most common pathologies in ophthalmolgy and can affect both children and adults.
One of the main symptoms of conjunctivitis is the Red eye produced by the visualization of blood vessels that make up the conjunctiva.
different types of conjunctivitis which are classified according to the causative agent and, in the same way, different treatments for each of the conjunctivitis.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that covers the inside of the eyelid and the sclera or white part of the eye.
The sclera has fine blood vessels that are not visible in normal conditions, but when the conjunctiva begins to become irritated or inflamed, blood vessels that irrigate it dilate giving rise to the classic red eye, typical symptom of this condition.
Is one of the most common eye diseases in Babies, children and adults, but although it is annoying his treatment is simple and in many cases it even goes away on its own without the need to apply medication.
What causes conjunctivitis?
There are three eye irritation triggers that can cause conjunctivitis:
- Infections.
- Allergies.
- Environmental irritants.
The conjunctiva is a uniform tissue, so it responds to all these conditions in a similar way, regardless of the trigger, which is why the red eye is a common symptom in all types of conjunctivitis.
La conjunctivitis can originate from three reasons:
Infections
All the infectious causes of conjunctivitis include bacteria and viruses. The infectious conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, can be quite contagious, physical contact with the patient's tear through the use of handkerchiefs and towels should be exclusive to each person to eliminate the risk of infection.
La hand cleaning after contact with the person It also helps prevent the spread of infection.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Common bacteria like staphylococci or streptococci can lead to this pathology, producing a red eye that is associated with a mucus discharge or, in serious cases, pus. The infection can affect one eye or both.
If the amount of discharge is great, most likely it is a acute infectionIn these cases it is recommended go to the ophthalmologist, even as a matter of urgency.
At other times, some bacterial infections are more chronic and many produce a little or no discharge or small scabs on the eyelids in the mornings.
Viral conjunctivitis
The viruses are also a common cause of conjunctivitis. Some viruses produce the classic family-transmitted conjunctivitis, being able to be accompanied by sore throat and rhinitis, unlike bacterial, the secretion is more liquid, profuse watery tearing.
Allergies
Irritants or external agents such as pollen or dust can lead to a box allergic conjunctivitis. In this case the eye produces a watery discharge, similar to the viral table, but with other symptoms like itching and rhinitis.
Some types of allergies, such as the hay fevercause a lot of itchy eyesWhile others simply produce redness chronic. This type of inflammation of the conjunctiva has a marked seasonal character, being more common in the spring and fall.
Environmental irritants
Some irritants like tobacco, smoke excessive or the pool chlorine, they can also produce inflammation and irritation in the conjunctiva that lead to this condition.
It is important to consider that all conjunctivitis are aggravated by dry eyes, therefore those patients who suffer Dry eye syndrome they should preferably go to an ophthalmologist to avoid that the symptoms are more bothersome and the treatment process is not prolonged excessively.
How conjunctivitis is cured
Treatment cure conjunctivitis can last seven to 10 days depending on the picture. In the case of mild conditions, the eye often improves on its own, without the need for medical treatment. However, going to an ophthalmologist will allow us to determine the type of conjunctivitis we suffer and what is the most appropriate treatment, which can be based on antibiotic drops in the case of an infection, antiallergic for allergic conjunctivitis o, in the case of viruses, Steroids they can ease the discomfort though la viral conjunctivitis goes away without treatment after a few days.
In all cases, use of gauze soaked with saline solution to clean eye secretions is highly recommended. Additionally, the compresses soaked in cold water they are also opportune to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
Although mild conjunctivitis can remit without the need to see a specialist, there are cases in which it is recommended to go to an ophthalmologist right away, for example:
- If symptoms occur such as ocular pain intense, blurred vision o sensitivity to light.
- If redness or secretions consist of very intense.
- When discomfort does not subside after three or four days.
- In case of suffer from dry eyeThis table can intensify discomfort and slow recovery.
- When the patient is a newborn or young childIn these cases, a medical review is necessary.
- It is also recommended to go to the specialist when the immune system is committed due to illness.
Tips to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis
So much la bacterial conjunctivitis as viral they are highly contagiousTherefore, it is important that if someone in our environment suffers from this condition, we take the necessary precautions to prevent its spread.
Some essential recommendations to prevent contagion of conjunctivitis are:
- Avoid sharing handkerchiefs and towels, this type of objects must be for strictly personal use.
- Tampoco is recommended share glasses, contact lenses or makeup as an eyelash mask or eye pencils. This type of habit favors the spread of bacteria and viruses that come into contact with our eyes.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, in order to avoid the transmission of bacteria that harm our eye health.
- Do not touch and rub your eyes with your hands. Before frequent discomforts such as itching and dryness, it is recommended to visit a specialist.
- In the case of patients with paintings of seasonal allergy, the best is go to the ophthalmologist before the start of the season to receive timely preventive treatment.
- If you frequently use public pools, it is recommended protect your eyes with appropriate glasses, avoiding irritants and infectious agents.
Eye diseases that can be mistaken for conjunctivitis
There are several eye diseases that also produce a red eye and that they can become very serious unless diagnosed and treated.
To avoid a wrong diagnosis or the simple Confusion of the one who suffers from it, it is recommended go to an ophthalmology specialist. This is especially important if there is pain, blurred vision or severe photophobia for these symptoms are not typical of conjunctivitis Simple and indicate a higher degree of severity.
Pain, blurred vision, and photophobia may signal the presence of glaucomaa eye ulcer or a inflammation of the inside of the eyepathologies that can irreversibly affect vision, therefore in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We recommend going to the specialist as a matter of urgency in these circumstances.
