Conjunctivitis: Overview
Commonly known as "pinkeye" because of the inflamed tissues that are seen when the eyelid is pulled back, conjunctivitis is the most common infectious disease of the eye affecting children. Although most types of conjunctivitis are contagious, it usually causes no danger to the eye. Besides infections, conjunctivitis can also be caused by inflammation or irritants to the eye.
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Most conditions in the adult are secondary to staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) infections. If the discharge is severe, gonococcal (gonorrhea) conjunctivitis must be considered. In children, bacteria known as Hemophilus influenza may be present. This bacterial infection is not related to the common flu, which is viral in nature. Newborn infants with conjunctivitis must be evaluated for gonococcal and chlamydia conjunctivitis (sexually-transmitted diseases), however, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and other infectious agents must be considered as well.
Causes and Development
Neonatal and adult inclusion conjunctivitis result from exposure to infected genital secretions. It is transmitted to the eye at birth or by fingers and occasionally by the water in swimming pools, poorly chlorinated hot tubs, or by sharing makeup. In adult inclusion conjunctivitis, one eye is usually involved, with a stringy discharge of mucus and pus. There may be little bumps called follicles inside the lower eyelid and the eye is red. Occasionally, the condition damages the cornea, causing cloudy areas and a growth of new blood vessels.
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Conjunctivitis:Signs, symptoms & indicators of Conjunctivitis:
Symptoms - Head - Eyes/Ocular
Mild/moderate/serious/severe eye discharge
A day or two after the first symptoms (eye discomfort), a white, yellow, or green discharge from the eyes may be present. In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge will be somewhat thick. In viral conjunctivitis, the discharge may be thinner, and may even be clear.
Irritated eyes
The first symptom of conjunctivitis is discomfort in the eye, followed by redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelids. There is some pain associated with conjunctivitis, but the sufferer will probably complain mostly of discomfort that is not relieved by rubbing or the sensation of something that feels like sand in the eye.
Risk factors for Conjunctivitis:
Digestion
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis occasionally causes eye inflammation which resolves when the colitis is treated.
Symptoms - Head - Eyes/Ocular
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Conjunctivitis suggests the following may be present:
Nutrients
Vitamin A Requirement
Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis. It is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can prevent conjunctivitis or help people who already have the condition. [Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1976;46: pp.454-7 {in German}]
Recommendations for Conjunctivitis:
Drug
Antibiotics
In most cases of adult or childhood conjunctivitis, treatment with topical antibiotics is initiated without cultures. If the ophthalmologist elects for cultures, antibiotic therapy is usually initiated and treatment changed later, as necessary, depending on culture results. Gonococcal conjunctivitis requires intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics in addition to topical therapy.
Mineral
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
MSM eye drops used frequently may help in cases of mild conjunctivitis. It should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics for serious infection.
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Last updated: Aug 06, 2019