My eyes are Red
Do I have Conjunctivitis?
Do you have?
- Red Eyes
- Discharge
- Grittiness in eyes
- Running nose
Get yourself examined today by your eye doctor
Conditions similar to
conjunctivitis
- Acute Corneal Ulcer
- Acute Iritis
- Acute attack of narrow angle glaucoma
- Conjunctival or corneal Foreign Body
- Chemical injury to eye
Conjunctivitis spreads by
- Shaking Hands
- Sharing Towels
- Inhaling Infected droplets
- Swimming Pools
It is preferable to avoid
antibiotic eye drops when the
eyes are red without
prescription. It could be
something different !
Frequent washing of hands
helps prevent spread of
infection to others !
You may need to take few
days off from work
Use of Goggles and Cold
Compress helps in alleviating
discomfort
If Pain develops in the eye or the vision becomes hazy see the eye
doctor immediately |
The conjunctiva is a thin, translucent, relatively elastic tissue layer which lines the outer aspect of the eye globe and the eye lids. The term “conjunctivitis” is a broad group of conditions presenting as inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is one of the common causes of Red Eye
Conjunctivitis can be classified depending upon its cause
1. Infectious
a. Viral
b. Bacterial
c. Chlamydial
2. Non Infectious
a. Allergic
b. Dry Eye
c. Chemical
How is Viral Conjunctivitis caused?
Viruses are a common cause of conjunctivitis in patients of all ages. A number of viruses can cause conjunctival infection. The viruses that cause conjunctivitis are Adenovirus, Herpes simplex virus, Varicella-zoster virus, Picornavirus. Adenovirus and Herpes simplex virus are the most common and important causes of viral conjunctivitis.
How does conjunctivitis spread?
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious from onset of disease to almost week after the eyes have become white. Transmission may occur through accidental inoculation of viral particles from the infected patient’s hands, by contact with infected respiratory droplets or through contaminated swimming pools.
What are the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis?
Patients with viral conjunctivitis typically present with an acute red eye, foreign-body sensation, watery discharge, mild swelling of eyelids, a tender pre-auricular lymph node, and in some cases patients have difficulty in opening eyes in sunlight. Both eyes may be affected simultaneously or the second eye may become involved a few days after the first eye. Some patients have an associated running nose and coryza. The vision is not affected in uncomplicated cases but the patient may experience transient blurring of vision due to watering and discharge.
What are the eye findings in viral conjunctivitis?
- The vision is normal in uncomplicated cases
- The conjunctiva is congested and red
- The eye shows watery discharge. The discharge may be yellow if there is secondary infection with bacteria
- The cornea is normal in uncomplicated cases. In some patients however the cornea becomes involved after 7-10 days and the patients complains about blurred vision
What is the treatment of Viral Conjunctivitis?
Treatment of viral conjunctivitis is supportive. Cold compresses and topical eye lubricants provide symptomatic relief. Topical antibiotics are rarely necessary, because secondary bacterial infection is uncommon and its use is not recommended. Cold compresses aid in relieving discomfort caused due to itching. Steroid eye drops are best avoided in this condition without the eye doctor supervision
How can I prevent the spread of infection to others?
Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. Infected people should avoid shaking hands and not to share towels and toiletries with others. The infected patients may need to take off from work for a few days. |
