Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva that causes swollen eyes, Red eye, and pain. The conjunctiva itself is a transparent membrane (layer) that lies between the lid and the sclera (the white part of the eye). This condition can occur in one or both eyes.
Although uncomfortable and unsightly, this condition rarely affects your visual acuity.
Conjunctivitis is an infection, so you should be treated as early as possible to avoid spreading it to other people.
How common is this condition?
Conjunctivitis is a common disease and can go away without treatment. Everyone of all ages can experience it. Usually this contagious eye sore occurs in the rainy season, or autumn in a country that has four seasons.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
The following are signs and symptoms caused by conjunctivitis:
There may be other symptoms that were not mentioned. If you have any questions about other signs please consult your doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
You need to see your doctor if you experience any of the above signs or symptoms that you believe are caused by this condition.
Conjunctivitis is an eye disease that can be very contagious for as long as two weeks after the first symptoms appear, unless it is caused by allergies. Therefore, early treatment not only helps you recover quickly, but also protects your loved ones from contagious eye infections.
We recommend that you do not try to treat yourself carelessly or delay going to the hospital. The reason is, you may experience other eye diseases that have similar symptoms, but are more serious.
Causes of conjunctivitis
Quoted from the American Optometric Association, this condition is divided into three types, namely allergies, infections, and chemical exposure. The following are the types of conjunctivitis based on the cause:
1. Non-infectious conjunctivitis
Non-infectious conjunctivitis is a type of inflammation of the conjunctiva that is not contagious.
Symptoms that appear can include itching with watery eyes. The eyes can be reddish in color, but they are usually not as red as the other types. There are 2 types of non-allergic conjunctivitis, namely:
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis generally appears in people who have seasonal allergies. Your eyes will start to swell, turn red, and itch if you are exposed to allergens.Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergies that causes long-term (chronic) swelling of the outer layer of the eye is called vernal conjunctivitis. It’s common in people who have a history of strong allergies, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. - Giant papillary conjunctivitis
This condition is caused by the presence of a foreign object in the eye. If you frequently wear contact lenses and don’t replace them regularly, you are more likely to experience this condition.
2. Infectious conjunctivitis
In contrast to the previous one, the various types of conjunctival inflammation present in this group are contagious. This condition can be divided into three parts, namely:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
This type of conjunctivitis is most often caused by a staphylococcal or streptococcal bacterial infection of your own skin or respiratory system. Insects, physical contact with other people, not maintaining cleanliness, or using contaminated eye makeup and face lotions are all things that can cause conjunctival inflammation due to infection. bacteria. In addition, borrowing from each other make-up and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or that have not been cleaned can also cause this condition. - Viral conjunctivitis
The viral infection that most often causes conjunctivitis is adenovirus. This condition generally resolves on its own without treatment, within 2-4 weeks. The eye discharge that appears is usually clear in color. In the type of herpes virus that attacks the eye, the condition can be accompanied by the appearance of flexion on the eyelids <1 mm in size and filled with fluid. Not infrequently the infection is accompanied by upper respiratory problems, fever, or enlarged lymph nodes. This eye disease can be transmitted through direct contact with eye discharge or respiratory mucus. Transmission of viral conjunctivitis can also occur indirectly through towels and swimming pool water that are exposed to the virus. - Ophthalmia neonatorum
This is a severe form of conjunctival inflammation that appears in newborns. This is a serious condition that can cause permanent eye damage if not treated quickly. Ophthalmia neonatorum is a conjunctivitis that occurs when a baby is exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhea while passing through the birth canal.
3. Chemical conjunctivitis
This condition can be caused by irritation from air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Risk factors
The following factors increase the risk of conjunctivitis-related pink eye, namely:
- Direct contact with a sick person’s tears, fingers, or handkerchiefs
- Being exposed to allergens (allergens)
- Wear contact lenses without removing them, especially use during a week (usually the type that can be used continuously for 7 days and not removed before bed)
Diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the usual tests for this condition?
Your doctor will examine you with a clinical examination and ask you to look for the cause of your pink eye. If you don’t find a cause, your doctor can do tests to diagnose common causes of the symptoms.
What are the treatment options for conjunctivitis?
Treatment of this condition depends on the cause. These treatments aim to:
- Relieves symptoms to make you feel more comfortable
- Reducing the course of infection or inflammation
- Prevents the spread of infection to infectious conditions
Based on the cause, here’s how to treat this condition:
How to treat allergic conjunctivitis
The first step is to remove or avoid irritants, if possible. The cold compress will help reduce the itching. This condition can also occur seasonally.
In more severe cases, your doctor will give you eye drops and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, and nasal decongestants to relieve allergy symptoms.
How to treat conjunctivitis due to infection
If your conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe it eye drops or ointments containing antibiotics. You can reduce eye puffiness with a warm compress.
Bacterial pink eye usually gets better within 48 hours of treatment and usually goes away within a week.
If the cause is a virus, antibiotic eye drops or ointment will not work. Your doctor will give you eye drops to help increase the moisture in your eyes combined with a warm compress to reduce puffiness. Generally, viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own after some time.
How to treat chemical conjunctivitis
The standard treatment for this condition is to carefully rinse the eyes with a saline solution. People with chemical conjunctivitis may also need topical (topical) steroids.
In more serious cases, such as burns, you can rinse your eyes for a few minutes with plenty of water before seeing a doctor. This condition is an emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Contact lens users may need to temporarily stop wearing lenses. If the condition is caused by wearing contact lenses, your doctor may recommend that you change the type of contact lenses or disinfection solutions.
Home remedies
Good lifestyle habits are the most effective way to prevent conjunctivitis-induced pink eye. Even though you are sick, keep your hygiene and habits to help the red eye disappear and not penetrate the body.
Here are some things you can do to prevent contracting or transmitting conjunctivitis:
- Avoid direct contact with anyone if you have pink eye. Use a handkerchief or tissue to clean eye debris
- Wash your hands often
- Use towels, rags, and pillows that are different from your family at home
- Throw away make-up eyes and do not share eye cosmetics with others
- Avoid allergens, if you can
- Use medication as instructed
- Do not touch the infected area or rub the eyes
- Do not use contact lenses until treatment is complete. You may also need to replace your contact lenses or their storage case.
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find out the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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