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Allergic, Bacterial & Viral Conjunctivitis Treatment

Conjunctivitis , commonly known as pink eye , is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera) The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral , allergic , and bacterial . Each requires different treatments. With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious.

An Inflammation of the eyelid's underside and white part of the eye. It is contagious and easily transmitted, particularly to athletes on the same team who have close daily contact or in crowded or unsanitary athletic facilities.

Conjunctivitis is a very common eye condition. It is not serious but can be very uncomfortable and irritating.

Causes

• Viral infection. Conjunctivitis may accompany colds or diseases such as measles.
• Bacterial infection.
• Chemical irritation or wind, dust smoke and other types of air pollution.
• Allergies caused by cosmetic, pollen or other allergens.
• A partially closed tear duct.
• Intense light, such as from sunlamps, snow or water reflection, or electric arcs in welding.

Signs and symptoms

The following symptoms may affect one or both eyes:

• Clear, green or yellow discharge from the eye.
• After sleeping, crusts on lashes that cause eyelids to stick together.
• Eye pain.
• Swollen eyelids.
• Sensitivity to bright light.
• Redness and gritty feeling in the eye.
• Intense itching (allergic conjunctivitis only).

Diagnosis

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory culture of the eye discharge.

Treatment

For the allergic type , cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.

Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. The discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can be soothed by applying warm compresses (a clean cloth soaked in warm water) to closed eyes.

Home Treatment and home remedies

• Wash hands often with antiseptic soap, and use paper towels to dry. Don't touch eyes.
• Gently wipe the discharge from the eye using disposable tissues. Infections are frequently spread by contaminated fingers, towels, handkerchiefs or wash cloths that have touched the infected eye.
• A decoction prepared with a handful of dried coriander in 60 ml of water is an excellent eye-wash in conjunctivitis. It is said to relieve burning and reduces pain and swelling. This decoction should, however, be sparingly used by persons suffering from bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• Use warm-water compresses to reduce discomfort.
• Don't use eye makeup.
• The juice of the Indian gooseberry, mixed with honey, is useful in conjunctivitis. A cup of this juice should be taken mixed with two teaspoons of honey twice daily in treating this condition.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, sulfa eye drops, steroid eye drops or antibiotic ointment to fight infection. Use 3 times daily. If the infection does not improve in 2 or 3 days, it may be caused by an insensitive bacteria, virus or allergy. At this point, an ophthalmologist may need to culture the conjunctivae or make special studies to determine the cause of the conjunctivitis. Most ophthalmologists believe corticosteroid eye drops should not be used until a diagnosis is definite. If the infection is caused by herpes simplex virus, steroids may spread it from the conjunctiva to the cornea, damaging the eye.

Prevention

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water to avoids spreading germs to the eye area.
• Don't use anyone else 's towel.
• Avoid exposure to eye irritants.