Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. There are many causes of conjunctivitis.
Causes include:
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for conjunctivitis include:
Symptoms include:
Depending on its cause, conjunctivitis will usually clear up within 2-14 days. If conjunctivitis is caused by a seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur throughout the season. If it is caused by a non-seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur year round.
IMPORTANT NOTE : These symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem. If you develop these or any other symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your eye. If there is discharge from your eye, it may be tested to determine the cause of the conjunctivitis.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis.
Antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment may be prescribed. This will help shorten the course of the infection and the time it is contagious. Wipe away any discharge that accumulates with a clean cotton ball before applying the medication.
There is no medicine to cure a viral infection. However, many doctors will prescribe topical antibiotics if they cannot rule out the possibility of a bacterial infection. Applying warm compresses or artificial tears (found in pharmacies) may help relieve symptoms. Your eye doctor may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory drop, which may help alleviate your symptoms.
Avoid the cause of the irritation (smoke, pollen, make-up, etc.). Apply cool compresses to the affected area. Your doctor may prescribe allergy eye drops to help relieve allergic conjunctivitis.
If you are diagnosed with conjunctivitis, follow your doctor's instructions .
Strategies to avoid conjunctivitis include:
RESOURCES:
American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org
Family Doctor
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.eyesite.ca
References:
Conjunctivitis. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ . Accessed February 23, 2001.
Viral conjunctivitis. Review of Optometry . 2001.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Christopher Cheyer, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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