Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, filmy membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids) and the sclera (the white part of the eye).

Your conjunctiva contains tiny blood vessels that produce mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of your eye. When the conjunctiva is inflamed, the blood vessels become larger, making your eye appear red.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis

Symptoms include:

• Inflammation of the eye
  
• Increased tearing
  
• Soreness of the eye
  
• Light sensitivity
  
• Itchiness of the eye
  
• Hazy or blurred vision
  
• Excess mucous (pus)
  
• Crusting of eyelashes in the morning

What causes conjunctivitis?

The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a viral infection (the same virus that produces the common cold). Symptoms can last from one to two weeks and then will disappear on their own. You can alleviate the discomfort with warm compresses.

Bacterial infections can cause a type of conjunctivitis that produces considerable amounts of pus. Some may produce little or no discharge except for crusting of the eyelashes in the morning. Antibiotic eye drops are typically used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral conjunctivitis can be quite contagious. If you are infected you should avoid re-using handkerchiefs and towels on your face and eyes, wash your hands frequently, keep your hands away from your eyes, do not share your eye cosmetics, and properly clean your contact lenses.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not infectious or contagious. It occurs when the body is exposed to materials that cause allergic reactions (such as pollen, dander, and environmental irritants). Symptoms include redness, itching and/or burning eyes, tearing, enlarged vessels in the sclera (white part of the eye), and puffy eyelids.

What is the treatment for allergic conjunctivitis?

Treatment often includes taking oral and topical antihistamines or in severe cases steroids, and cool compresses.

Generally, conjunctivitis is easily treated. However, if symptoms persist for an extended period of time after treatment, see your eye care professional, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious eye problem.

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