Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

A lot of us must have suffered from conjunctivitis in our childhood. Your eyes turn pink and you are supposed to wear glasses and avoid the sun. Unfortunately, unlike chicken pox this is not a one time disease; this can catch you more than once. So read the below information to make sure that you are prepared when you are hit by it. If you haven't been hit by conjunctivitis, then this information becomes all the more relevant for you because everyone at least once in a lifetime will get it.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis (ayurvedically called as Netra Abhishyanda) is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids. Inflammation causes small blood vessels in the membrane to become more prominent causing the pink or red cast to the whites of your eyes. Conjunctivitis is infectious and easily transferable from one person to the other through direct contact.

What are the symptoms?

Though the inflammation of pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. The symptoms are generally quite obvious. They are:

• The white part of one or both eyes turning pink or in worst case turning red.
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
• Irritation in one or both eyes.
• Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight.
• Increased tears.
• Increased Sensitivity to light.

What are the causes?

Pink eye can occur in people of any age. The conjunctiva (transparent membrane) react to a wide range of viruses, bacteria, allergy-provoking agents, and toxic agents, as well as to underlying diseases within the body. Some of the symptoms - apart from redness, irritation and watering of the eyes - may also vary depending upon the cause of the conjunctivitis. Here are few causes explained in detail:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with colds or with symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. It usually begins in one eye and then infects the other eye within a few days. Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery discharge.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis due to the common pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria often produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge that may cause the lids to stick together especially after sleeping. Non-pyogenic infections can show just mild infection and be difficult to diagnose. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than it is in adults. Like viral conjunctivitis, it usually affects only one eye but may spread easily to the other eye.

• Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. It typically causes intense itching and often involves some eye swelling.

• Irritant or toxic conjunctivitis: Irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in your eye is also associated with conjunctivitis. It may cause irritation or pain when the infected eye is pointed far down or far up. This type of conjunctivitis show primarily marked redness.

• Other: Conjunctivitis can also be caused by the use of contact lenses (especially extended-wear lenses). Xerophthalmia, a condition caused due to prolonged deficiency of vitamin A, can also cause chronic conjunctivitis.

What are the treatments available?

As pink eye can be contagious, an early diagnosis and treatment is best to help limit its spread and help you cope with your symptoms. Here are some treatment options available based on the type of conjunctivitis:

• In case of bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Antibiotic eye ointment is often easier to administer to an infant or young child, and may blur vision for up to 20 minutes after application. With regular use of antibiotic medication, expect signs and symptoms to subside within a few days.

• There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis. Your signs and symptoms, lasting one to two weeks, should gradually clear on their own. However, as viral pink eye is highly contagious, it is often advised to avoid touching your eyes or sharing towels and washcloths.

• In case of allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines. You may also reduce the severity of your of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms by avoiding whatever causes your allergies, when possible.

Apart from following the advice of your doctor and taking all medications as prescribed, there are also some steps you can take at home to help relieve the symptoms of pink eye:

• Apply a moist compress to your eyes. For allergic conjunctivitis, apply a cool water compress; and for bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, apply a warm water compress. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. If only one eye is infected, don't touch both eyes with the same cloth.
• Try over-the-counter artificial tears (eyedrops) to bring some relief.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses until the pink eye has resolved. Seek your doctors guidance about when it is safe to resume the use of contact lenses and whether you should throw away your disposable contacts, as well as your cleaning solution and lens case.

How can you prevent the spread of pink eye?

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of pink eye. Here are some things to keep in mind to prevent the spread of pink eye:

• Avoid touching your eyes or the area near your eyes with your hands.
• Wash your hands regularly with disinfectants.
• Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone else, and wash these items after each use.
• Throw away your eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
• Disinfecting surfaces like counter tops, sinks, and door knobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.

Of course if you have chronic conjunctivitis, it is best to take your physician's advise. With the good care and awareness, contraction of this infection can be completely cured.