Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outer surface (cornea) of the eye, due to an allergy, or a viral or bacterial
infection.
A bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common form, and is due to bacteria infecting the thin film of tears that
covers the eye. It is very easily passed from one person to another (eg. a patient rubs their eyes with a hand, then
shakes hands, and the second person then rubs their eyes). Babies suffering from a blocked tear duct may have
recurrent infections. Tears are produced in the lacrimal gland beyond the outer edge of the eye, move across the
eye surface and then through a tiny tube at the inner edge of the eye that leads to the nose. If the duct is too small
in an infant, or is blocked by pus or phlegm, the circulation of tears is prevented and infection results.
Any one or more of a number of viruses may infect the cornea to cause conjunctivitis. This form is not quite as
easily transmitted as bacterial conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis causes the formation of yellow or green pus in the eyes, which may stick the eyelidstogether. The eyes are bloodshot and sore, and almost invariably the infection involves both eyes. If allowed to
persist, it may cause scarring of the eye surface and a deterioration in sight.
Viral conjunctivitis causes slight pain or an itch, redness of the eye and often a clear sticky exudate.
Rarely, resistant infections make it necessary to take a swab from the eye to determine the exact bacteria or
virus responsible, but in most cases, no investigations are necessary.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is easily treated with antibiotic drops or ointment on a regular basis until the infection
clears, usually in two to four days. Children must be excluded from school until all eye discharge has ceased. A
blocked tear duct may be probed and cleared if
conjunctivitis persists in a baby for several
months, but most grow out of the problem.
Viral conjunctivitis is the more difficult form
to treat as there is no cure for most viral
infections, but Herpes virus infections can be
cured by antiviral drops. Soothing drops and
ointment may be used, but time is the main
treatment, and the infection may persist for
several weeks until the body's own defences
overcome it.
Allergic (vernal) conjunctivitis is a reaction
on the surface of the eye to a pollen, dust,
chemical or substance to which the patient has
an allergy. The eye becomes red, itchy and
watery. Vasoconstrictor or antihistamine eye
drops can be used to control the condition.
See also ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS
infection.
A bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common form, and is due to bacteria infecting the thin film of tears that
covers the eye. It is very easily passed from one person to another (eg. a patient rubs their eyes with a hand, then
shakes hands, and the second person then rubs their eyes). Babies suffering from a blocked tear duct may have
recurrent infections. Tears are produced in the lacrimal gland beyond the outer edge of the eye, move across the
eye surface and then through a tiny tube at the inner edge of the eye that leads to the nose. If the duct is too small
in an infant, or is blocked by pus or phlegm, the circulation of tears is prevented and infection results.
Any one or more of a number of viruses may infect the cornea to cause conjunctivitis. This form is not quite as
easily transmitted as bacterial conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis causes the formation of yellow or green pus in the eyes, which may stick the eyelidstogether. The eyes are bloodshot and sore, and almost invariably the infection involves both eyes. If allowed to
persist, it may cause scarring of the eye surface and a deterioration in sight.
Viral conjunctivitis causes slight pain or an itch, redness of the eye and often a clear sticky exudate.
Rarely, resistant infections make it necessary to take a swab from the eye to determine the exact bacteria or
virus responsible, but in most cases, no investigations are necessary.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is easily treated with antibiotic drops or ointment on a regular basis until the infection
clears, usually in two to four days. Children must be excluded from school until all eye discharge has ceased. A
blocked tear duct may be probed and cleared if
conjunctivitis persists in a baby for several
months, but most grow out of the problem.
Viral conjunctivitis is the more difficult form
to treat as there is no cure for most viral
infections, but Herpes virus infections can be
cured by antiviral drops. Soothing drops and
ointment may be used, but time is the main
treatment, and the infection may persist for
several weeks until the body's own defences
overcome it.
Allergic (vernal) conjunctivitis is a reaction
on the surface of the eye to a pollen, dust,
chemical or substance to which the patient has
an allergy. The eye becomes red, itchy and
watery. Vasoconstrictor or antihistamine eye
drops can be used to control the condition.
See also ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS
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