Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eye ailments are known to be uncomfortable and painful. One of the most widespread eye infections is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.  

Conjunctivitis is fairly common, especially in hot and humid climates. People may contract this eye infection without realising it. However, if left untreated in rare cases, it can lead to  corneal damage and scarring. 

Hence, it is important to know conjunctivitis meaning, its symptoms and how to treat it. 

What is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

 The thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid is called the conjunctiva. Inflammation of this membrane is called conjunctivitis. 

When the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva are irritated, our eyes tend to look pink or reddish, earning the name pink eye.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

There are multiple reasons for conjunctivitis. Before your doctor starts treatment, it is important to know the conjunctivitis causes. 

• A viral infection can lead to viral conjunctivitis. It can be caused by the same virus that causes a common cold. So, if you have a cold, remember to wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes.

   

• Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, including staphylococcus and streptococcus species.

   

• Allergens like pollen, dust, mould, or smoke also cause pink eye.

   

• Chemical irritants, such as makeup, shampoo, chlorine from the swimming pool, or foreign objects like dirt, are causal factors for conjunctivitis. Other causes may be eye injuries or auto-immune disorders. 

• In infants, conjunctivitis may be caused due to an incompletely opened tear duct.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Regardless of the cause, pink eye symptoms are common. In the initial stages, the telltale signs are redness in the eye or inner eyelid, itchiness, and a discharge that sticks your eyelids shut, especially when you wake up. 

Eventually, you may experience redness, swelling, itchiness, pricking sensation, burning in one or both eyes, tearing, sensitivity to light, and  discharge. 

What does pink eye look like?

If you have contracted pink eye, the whites of one or both eyes turn pink or red due to inflammation of the soft lining tissue or membrane on the eyes and eyelids. Your eyes may swell up with discharge.

Types of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis may be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or allergens. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes. Other underlying medical conditions include autoimmune disorders.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis may be caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus and, in rare cases, through STIs or sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia. 

Bacterial infections affect children more than adults and spreads quite easily. Pink eye caused by bacteria usually appears in one eye but may occur in both. There could be heavy discharge of white, yellow, or green colour. It is best treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral pink eye is the most common and the most contagious. The virus causing conjunctivitis belongs to the adenovirus family, which also causes the common cold.  Other viruses like herpes simplex virus, enterovirus, and varicella-zoster virus may also be reasons for pink eye.

The infection starts in one eye, causing redness and watery discharge. It quickly spreads to the other eye. Symptoms of a common cold, such as fever, sore throat, and runny nose, may be noticed.

Viral pink eye has no specific cure but will subside on its own. The symptoms may be worse initially, but they tend to get better within 1 to 3 weeks.

If you feel irritation and notice redness, you should immediately consult with an ophthalmologist. Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital has some of the best doctors who provide eye care services if you are diagnosed with conjunctivitis. 

Risk factors of conjunctivitis

Touching your eyes after being in direct contact with an infected person or surface is the biggest contagion of conjunctivitis. Hand hygiene is an important factor here.

Some allergens through cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and even some medications may be risk factors for pink eye. Allergies caused by seasonal changes, especially during spring and summer, trigger pink eye.

Contact lenses, especially worn for long periods, could be a risk factor.

Children and adults with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to catching pink eye.

Conjunctivitis Treatment Options

Conjunctivitis treatments include medications to treat symptoms, regardless of the type causing them. Antibiotics for conjunctivitis may include eye drops, ointments, etc. Oral tablets can also be prescribed for bacterial infections if your doctor feels necessary. 

Antihistamines may be recommended for allergic conjunctivitis. Over-the-counter decongestant eye drops may help relieve irritation caused by allergic conjunctivitis. Complex viral conjunctivitis caused by herpes or varicella-zoster may need antiviral drugs.

Immediate first aid for irritation from chemical conjunctivitis is flushing or rinsing the eyes with clean water. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops may also help soothe the eyes. You may use lukewarm or cool compresses to wipe off any discharge. Your doctor will suggest the best course of treatment. 

How to Prevent Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis prevention requires you to practise good hygiene habits. Be mindful to touch your eyes with clean hands. Wash or sanitise your hands regularly, especially after touching common surfaces. 

Ensure you use clean towels exclusively for yourself and avoid sharing towels and handkerchiefs. Make sure you keep your pillowcases clean and change them regularly.

Throw away your old cosmetics and personal hygiene products and avoid sharing them.

Ensure that the infection does not contaminate your eye drop bottles.

If you wear contact lenses, make sure you remove them and keep them clean. Also, ensure your hands are clean while putting them on.

When to See a Doctor for Conjunctivitis

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may subside on their own by maintaining good hygiene and self-care.  However, some symptoms may cause concern, such as severe sensitivity to light, excessive discharge, blurred vision, increasing pain, or an irritating feeling as if something is stuck in the eye. You must immediately consult your general physician, ophthalmologist or paediatrician to treat the infection.

Also, if you have had an eye injury or a toxic substance in your eye, getting medical help is the first thing to do.

Conclusion

Anyone can get a pink eye. However, when children catch the infection, you must be mindful and immediately consult a doctor. For adults, while conjunctivitis gets cured on its own, being vigilant about the symptoms will help avoid complications.

It is important to practise good hygiene and cleanliness to prevent infections like conjunctivitis in adults and children.

While it cannot be completely prevented, you can always take precautionary measures to avoid it. Wash your hands and maintain hygiene, keep your surroundings clean, and if you start noticing symptoms of pink eye, visit your doctor immediately. Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital offers expert care and can chart the right course of treatment if you are diagnosed with pink eye. 

FAQs on Conjunctivitis

What is the fastest way to cure conjunctivitis?

The fastest way to cure conjunctivitis is to maintain good hygiene practices. Keeping your eyes and hands clean, using artificial tears to lubricate and soothe the eyes, and applying warm and cold compresses are good practices to expedite healing.

If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them until your eyes heal.

What is the best medicine for conjunctivitis?

Each type of conjunctivitis requires different medications, such as eye drops, ointments, and pills. Antibiotics, antihistamines, or eye lubricants can also help heal the infection.

Anti-allergens may be prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis. 

How did I get conjunctivitis overnight?

Conjunctivitis can be contracted through direct contact with an infected person or surface, any allergen, injury, or a chemical irritant.

How to stop conjunctivitis from spreading?

Practising good hygiene habits and self-care is the most important factor in preventing conjunctivitis from spreading. Do not share eye makeup, care products, towels, pillowcases, tissues, and handkerchiefs. 

Does conjunctivitis go away naturally?

Viral conjunctivitis heals on its own by ensuring good hygiene and cleanliness. Allergic conjunctivitis requires greater awareness of exposure to the allergen. Other types may require medical intervention.