OR conjunctivitis It is one of the most common ophthalmological problems in people of all ages. It develops when the transparent membrane (conjunctival) is inflammation (conjunctival) that coat the interior of the eyelids and externally the hard tunic (the white portion) of the eye bulb.
When the conjunctiva’s small bloodthirsty bloodshed and crosses, they become more visible so that it blushing the eye. Conjunctivitis can have many and different causeseach of which requires a separate treatment.
The most common cause is various viral infections, which are even very contagious. But it can be caused by bacterial infection (also is contagious) or allergic reaction. OR allergic conjunctivitis It is more common in spring, due to increased flowering and pollen scattered in the atmosphere. It is estimated that it affects 15-20% of the population.
In more rare cases, conjunctivitis is due to fungi, parasites or irritants (eg pool chlorine).
Although the situation can be very annoying, it rarely affects vision. In most cases it is mild and recedes without special treatment. However, depending on the cause, medical treatment may be needed.
But how can one know where his conjunctivitis is due to? “It is difficult to distinguish a non -specialist if the cause is a virus or bacterium infection, or an allergic reaction, because in general the symptoms of conjunctivitis are common and include Eye blushing, tearing, discomfort, itching, light sensitivity“, Says Dr. Anastasios-i. Kanellopoulos, MD, Ophthalmologist Surgeon, Founder and Scientific Director of the Laservision Institute of Ophthalmology, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of New York.
“However, there are some indications that show what cause is most likely,” he continues. First, allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, while bacterial and viral usually start at one.
In addition, viral usually manifests after a cold or other virus infection (eg measles) and causes a water aquarium. On the contrary, bacterial conjunctivitis causes a thick, yellowish or even greenish secretion that makes the eyelashes sticky and creates a crust, especially in the morning the patient wakes up. The sufferer can also have the feeling of a foreign body in his eye.
The most characteristic symptom of allergic conjunctivitis, after all, is severe itching. It can also cause swelling in the eyelids, while sufferers have a known history of allergies.
Regardless of the suspicions that patients have for the cause of their symptoms, they should know that some events require immediate control by the ophthalmologist. If e.g. They feel pain in the eyethey must consult him immediately. The same as their eye is too red, it produces a lot of mucus or blurred vision and does not come back when they cleanse the secretion from their eye.
Control is also required when symptoms have no improvement after 5-7 days or are constantly worsening, as well as when accompanied by fever or other indications of severe infection.
Some patients should also address the first symptom to the ophthalmologist. These are those who have a weakened immune system, contact lens users and those who had recently scratched their eye and then developed symptoms.
The ophthalmologist will examine their eyes and receive a detailed medical history. In rare cases, it will take a sample of liquid from the eye to examine it in the microbiological laboratory (cultivation). Cultivation is usually recommended when there are suspicions for severe bacterial infection, Eye infection by sexually transmitted disease (eg mucosa) or from a virus herpes etc.
Depending on the findings of the control, the ophthalmologist will determine the cause of conjunctivitis and decide what is the best way to deal with. Some common methods applied are eye cleansing with clean, fresh cloth, use of artificial tears and cold or warm patches (compresses) in the eyes several times a day.
“In most cases, viral conjunctivitis recedes without special treatment. But typically worsens in the first 4-5 days and often spread to the other eye. Then recedes in 1-2 weeks. If it is due to certain viruses, such as that of herpes herpes, an antiviral treatment may be needed, ”explains Mr. Kanellopoulos.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can also subside without treatment, usually in 7-10 days. However, antibiotic pillars or ointments may be needed. These are usually administered in severe cases of bacterial conjunctivitis or when bacterial infection does not improve after 2-3 weeks.
‘The treatment with antibiotic preparations is necessary to infants and people with weakened immune systemand when caused by certain types of bacteria. Especially in newborn infants conjunctivitis can cause serious health problems. That is why it is necessary for parents to communicate with the doctor immediately if they see an unusual reply from the baby’s eye or swelling on their eyelids, “he warns.
Antibiotic preparations offer nothing in the case of viral or allergic conjunctivitis. The best way to treat eye allergic reaction is to try to avoid allergens to which it is sensitive. Especially in spring, for example, it may have to clean the house and vacuum furniture daily so that it does not rise dust or stay home with closed windows when it has increased pollen in the atmosphere.
“If it is difficult or impossible for the patient to stay away from an allergen, it may be necessary to take antihistamine drug, which may even be a strong prescription if the allergy is particularly intense,” the professor continues.
In any case, regardless of the cause of conjunctivitis, patients who wear contact lenses must avoid them until their symptoms retreat. If they were worn when they had conjunctivitis, the ophthalmologist is likely to recommend them to reject them. Otherwise they should be carefully disinfected. Finally, all the products of eye makeup can be replaced before.