What is it
Conjunctivitis
What is conjunctivitis and treatment? Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that lines the sclera (white part of the eye) and contains small blood vessels. When these vessels become inflamed, the eye becomes red.
It can appear in adults and children and usually evolves favorably, unless it is not treated properly.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction due to exposure to an agent (allergens) that induces hypersensitivity in some people, or irritation of the edge of the eyelid (blepharitis) as a result of the use of cosmetics or contact with irritating substances in the environment. Each of these causes gives rise to different types of conjunctivitis: infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, irritative conjunctivitis.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of conjunctivitis are very visible and characteristic, such as eye redness, itching (predominant in allergic conjunctivitis), tearing, secretions and stuck eyelids (especially in bacterial conjunctivitis). To a lesser extent, when conjunctivitis occurs with complications, it can produce a foreign body sensation inside the eye, greater sensitivity to light and significant inflammation of the eyelids.
Treatment
In most cases it is a mild condition and the treatment of conjunctivitis will depend on the cause that produces it.
- Viral conjunctivitis: There is no specific treatment.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: antihistamines are frequently used and it is advisable to avoid exposure to the allergen that causes it. In this way, it is possible that it will resolve itself after a few days of evolution.
- Irritative conjunctivitis: the discomfort begins to subside when you are no longer in contact with the irritating substance and anti-inflammatory treatment is administered.
Viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, so it will be necessary to take basic hygienic measures to prevent their spread in the school, family or work environment:
- Do not touch or rub your eyes.
- Do not share any item that has been in contact with the infected eye (towels, pillowcases, etc.).
- Wash your hands and clean up secretions.
In the case of children, it is recommended not to go to school until at least 24 hours have elapsed since the start of treatment.
Other pathologies
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