Conjunctivitis or “red eye”

CONJUNCTIVITIS is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. The synonym “red eye” is often used for this very widespread eye disease, which can occur at any age. Conjunctivitis can be of different intensity – from mild inflammation with tearing to strong inflammation that can lead to tissue damage and death. Conjunctivitis is often associated with inflammation of the edges of the eyelids (blepharitis) or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis).

The most common causes of conjunctivitis are various external factors that adversely affect the eye, such as viral infections, various bacteria (most often staphylococci, pneumococci and streptococci), allergies (to pollen, dust, animal hair, etc.), unfavorable physical conditions (heat, draft, smog, smoke, etc.) and chemical substances (acids, bases). Symptoms of conjunctivitis are usually itching, burning, redness, swollen eyelids, feeling of a foreign body in the eye, lacrimation, hypersensitivity to light, discharge of whitish, yellowish, to yellow-green secretions and swelling of the lymph nodes. They can also be associated with sinus inflammation, sore throat, discharge from the nose, sneezing, coughing and other symptoms of inflammation of the respiratory mucosa.   

Depending on the cause of occurrence and manifested symptoms, we can distinguish several types of conjunctivitis, which also involve different methods of treatment:

• Viral

The causes of viral conjunctivitis are various viral infections. Symptoms are redness, feeling of a foreign body in the eye, watery discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids, sensitivity to light, but also accompanying cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sore throat, etc.). This form of conjunctivitis, although it leaves no visible consequences, is highly contagious and therefore the possibility of transmission to other people should be taken into account. In milder forms, viral conjunctivitis goes away in 7 to 10 days, with washing of the eye with saline solution or three percent boric acid to ease the discomfort, while in more severe cases, when clouding of the cornea occurs, the ophthalmologist gives corticosteroid drops. 

• Allergic

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs as a reaction to allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal hair, cosmetics, etc. and may be accompanied by allergic sneezing. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include redness, itching of the eye, tearing, sensitivity to light, swelling of the eyelids, and a possible lacrimal discharge. In case the symptoms do not disappear spontaneously, it is recommended to rinse the allergen with artificial tears, if necessary, anti-allergy drops (antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers) and corticosteroid drops are added. 

• Chemical

Chemical conjunctivitis occurs as a result of eye irritation with chemical substances such as various acids and bases, cleaning agents, chlorine from swimming pools, etc. After contact with the irritant, it is necessary to quickly and abundantly rinse the eye with a large amount of water, leave the eye open to flush with tears, and consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible in order to provide adequate therapy and prevent possible serious eye damage. 

• Bacterial

The bacteria that most often cause conjunctivitis are staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci. Redness of both eyes with the appearance of yellowish to yellowish-green discharge, which blinds the eyelids in the morning, is characteristic. In addition, eye pain and swelling also occur. This type of conjunctivitis occurs more often in children. Treatment includes antibiotic drops, eye ointments, and mild solutions to flush secretions (3 percent boric acid, saline, or artificial tears) prescribed by an ophthalmologist. 

Useful advice for people with conjunctivitis:

• Make sure to consult an ophthalmologist.
• Eye drops and ointments should only be used by one person, paying attention to the expiration date and method of use.
• Do not use other people’s medicines.
• Wash your hands often, before and after applying the medicine.
• Avoid touching the area around the eyes. 
• Do not share handkerchiefs, towels and pillowcases with others and be sure to change them every day.
• Disinfect surfaces in your home that are used by other household members, such as sinks, sinks, door handles, etc.
• Do not use make-up and aggressive cosmetics.
• Wear glasses with a UV protection factor, as they protect the eyes from external impurities and other harmful substances impact.