Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

An infection or allergy in the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis or "pink eye". The conjunctiva is a thin, translucent layer of tissue that surrounds the inside of the eyelid, covers the white portion of the eye, and is swollen or inflamed. This layer produces mucus and tears for lubrication. It also protects the eyes against foreign particles like dust, dirt and more. When the conjunctiva cannot retain tears and mucous, it results in dryness, itchiness and irritation in the eyes.

Disease Name	Conjuctivitis
Alternative Name	Pink Eye
Symptoms	Crusting around the eyes and clear, runny discharge, Redness in the eye, Mild flushing, Itching, Minimal pain and puffy eyes, Grittiness, Runny nose, congestion or sneezing
Causes	Virus, Bacteria, Allergy
Diagnosis	Physical eye examination, Vision test, Conjunctival tissue cultures or smears
Treated By	Ophthalmologist
Treatment options	Rest and Medications

According to the extremity and mechanism of development of clinical signs, conjunctivitis can be characterised as acute, hyperacute or chronic. The signs and symptoms include:

1. Crusting around the eyes and clear, runny discharge
2. Redness in the eye
3. Mild flushing
4. Itching
5. Minimal pain and puffy eyes
6. Grittiness 
7. Mild to severe light sensitivity
8. Runny nose, congestion or sneezing

The cause of conjunctivitis can vary depending on its type. Mainly, it can be classified into two types.

Infectious

Generally, infectious conjunctivitis is of two types: Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis.

Viral Conjunctivitis: 

1. Viral conjunctivitis is generally caused by common cold viruses.

You might get infected with it, if :

1. An individual with upper respiratory tract illness coughs or sneezes around you.
2. You blow your nose too hard while you have a cold.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: 

1. It's an inflammation produced by bacterial species like staphylococcus bacteria or streptococcal bacteria that are present on our skin or in our lungs.
2. The causes of bacterial conjunctivitis are:
   1. Insects
   2. Direct contact with other infected people
   3. Poor hygiene, such as rubbing the eye with filthy hands 
   4. Contaminated eye cosmetics and face creams
   5. Sharing cosmetics 
   6. Using unhygienic contact lenses

Non-infectious

Allergic: 

1. People who have seasonal allergies are more prone to developing allergic conjunctivitis.
2. They contract it when they come in contact with something or someone that causes an allergic reaction in their eyes. 

Chemical: 

Chemical conjunctivitis is caused due to chemicals, the causative irritants for chemical conjunctivitis are:

1. Chlorine in swimming pools
2. Air pollution 
3. Exposure to other harmful chemicals

Measures to be taken for the prevention of conjunctivitis are:

1. Not to share personal care products and specifically eye cosmetics.
2. Clean Pillowcases to be used 
3. Use clean towels and cloths
4. Don't share the used towels to prevent infection 
5. Wash hands at frequent time intervals 
6. Avoid touching eyes with hands
7. Wash your hands before wearing or removing contact lens

Since many symptoms of pink eye are similar to other eye conditions, the doctor will diagnose thoroughly.

1. Initially, the doctor will ask about the symptoms and review the medical history.
2. The doctor will also conduct a physical eye examination.

Other diagnostic measures are:

1. Vision test
2. Magnificaintensend strong light is used to examine the conjunctiva and exterior eye tissue.
3. Examination of the eye's inner structures to ensure that the condition has not damaged any other tissues.
4. Conjunctival tissue cultures or smears: It is especially significant in chronic conjunctivitis situations or when the illness is not responding to treatment.

The treatment of conjunctivitis can be carried out in three ways:

Self-care while suffering from conjunctivitis

1. It is critical to refrain from wearing contact lenses. 
2. It frequently resolves on its own, but therapy can fasten healing. 
3. Antihistamines can be used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. 
4. Antibiotic eye drops can be used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.
5. A cold compress can be applied to reduce inflammation, along with the use of artificial tears for the soothing effect.

Supportive care

1. This condition usually heals in 7-10 days without any specialized treatment.Therapy and medications can fasten this process.

Medications

1. Prescribed antibiotics treatment can be taken for the bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. 
2. Steroids facilitate inflammation reduction and tissue repair and growth by modifying or simulating the hormonal effects.