Conjunctivitis, or red eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid).
Most common causes:
• viruses
• bacteria
• allergens
Other causes include:
• contact lens wear
• foreign bodies in the eye
• air pollution: smoke, dust, fumes
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious; allergic conjunctivitis is not.
The symptoms are:
• Pink or red colour in the white of the eye(s)
• Swelling of the conjunctiva and/or eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
• Itching, irritation, and/or burning
• Discharge (pus or mucus)
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes, sticking together of lids, especially in the morning
• Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable
Viral Conjunctivitis
• Can occur with flu-like symptoms
• Usually begins in one eye and may spread to the other eye within days
• Discharge from the eye is usually watery rather than thick
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
• Associated with discharge, which can lead to eyelids sticking together
• Sometimes occurs with an ear infection
Allergic Conjunctivitis
• Usually occurs in both eyes
• Can produce intense itching, tearing, and swelling in the eyes
• May occur with allergies: itchy nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, or asthma
If you have conjunctivitis, you can help limit its spread to other people:
• Wash your hands often, especially before applying eye drops or ointment to your infected eye. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser (>60 per cent).
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. This can worsen the condition or spread it to your other eye.
• Use clean tissues to clean around your eyes; discard them; do not reuse tissues.
• Do not use the same eye drop bottle for your infected and non-infected eyes. Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or face.
• Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels often in hot water and detergent; wash your hands after handling such items.
• Stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it’s okay to restart. They may need to be replaced.
• Clean eyeglasses.
• Do not share personal items, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, eye or face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, or eyeglasses.
• Do not use swimming pools.
To avoid getting sick again:
• Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases, eye and face makeup that you used while your eyes were infected.
• Clean extended-wear lenses as directed.
• Clean eyeglasses and cases that you used while infected.
According to Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Neela Ramdass, you should seek medical care if there is severe redness, sensitivity to light, vision loss, or pain; symptoms that get worse or don’t improve; weakened immune system, for example from HIV infection or cancer treatment.
Newborns with symptoms of conjunctivitis should be seen by a doctor right away.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Most cases are mild. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment. Use cool compresses and artificial tears for relief.
A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis. Antibiotics will not improve viral conjunctivitis; these drugs are not effective against viruses.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Mild bacterial conjunctivitis may get better without antibiotic treatment in two to five days but can take two weeks to resolve.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis. Antibiotics may help shorten the length of infection, reduce complications, and reduce the spread to others. Antibiotics may be necessary in the following cases:
• Eye discharge is present
• When conjunctivitis occurs in people with a compromised immune system
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Caused by an allergen (like pollen or animal dander), improves by removing the allergen from the environment. Allergy medications and certain eye drops (topical antihistamine) can also provide relief.
The next time you wake up with a red, gritty, watery eye, don’t panic and don’t immediately reach for someone else’s eye drops. Most cases of conjunctivitis settle with time, hygiene and a little patience, but some red eyes are warning signs of something far more serious. Your eyes are precious, and they are not the place for guesswork.
