Whatever the cause, conjunctivitis can be painful and irritating. As with most symptoms or conditions involving the eyes, it is important to see a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment. Although a viral or bacterial conjunctivitis will usually go away on its own, it will go away much quicker with the use of proper antibiotics and antiviral agents, says Carol Ziel, M.D., an ophthalmologist with the Eye Clinic of Wausau in Wisconsin. Bosland adds that if an infectious conjunctivitis lasts longer than two or three weeks, it can start to turn into chronic conjunctivitis. “In this instance, the bacteria get into the outer corners of the eyelid and spill over into the eye, infecting it as well. And these mixed infections involving the eyelid and the eye can go on for quite a long time,” he cautions. In addition to seeing a doctor and following his or her advice, you can take some simple steps at home to help relieve discomfort and, if you have infectious conjunctivitis, to keep from spreading the infection around.

Cool the itch of allergic conjunctivitis. “If there is any itching in relation to the conjunctivitis, cool compresses will really help to reduce it,” says Ziel. Simply wet a washcloth with cool water and hold it against the eyes.

Read the rest of this entry »

read comments (0)

If it feels like someone threw sand in your eyes, but you haven’t been anywhere near a beach or sandbox lately, you may have conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membranes that line the inner surface of the eyelids and the front of the eyeball.

“Conjunctivitis usually involves both eyes and doesn’t affect vision,” says Jon H. Bosland, M.D., a general ophthalmologist in private practice in Bellevue, Washington. “Symptoms can include routine burning or itching, extreme sensitivity to light, and tearing. The eyes get red and the lids and surface of the eye can become swollen,” he continues. There may also be a watery, mucus secretion or, in the case of bacterial infection, a thick discharge coming from the eyes. The discharge may be so thick that you wake up in the morning with a crust over your eyes and the feeling that your eyes are “glued” shut.

The causes of conjunctivitis are as numerous as the types. Infectious types of conjunctivitis, which are highly contagious, can be caused by viruses or by bacteria, such as pneumococcus, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. “The eyes are continually bombarded with germs all of the time. But the blink reflex and the tearing reflex are amazingly effective at fighting off most of these germs,” explains Bosland. “And if a particularly aggressive set of germs attacks the eye, the backup defense mechanisms come into play. The blood vessels dilate to bring more bacteria-killing white blood cells to the area, and the eye begins discharging the infection,” he continues. These defensive maneuvers by the body result in the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Read the rest of this entry »

read comments (0)