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Conjunctivitis
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Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in the Western hemisphere. Because of its exposed position, the conjunctiva comes into contact with more microorganisms than any other membrane. Some cases are caused by bacteria, such as pneumococcus, staphylococcus or streptococcus, although allergies and some viruses can ... cause conjunctivitis. Other cases are caused by a virus called adenovirus. This virus can be spread in many ways including swimming pools, wet towels, etc. The infection usually starts in one eye and is spread to the other quite readily.
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Conjunctivitis, or “pinkeye†is the inflammation or infection of conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the lining of the eyeball and eyelid that helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or infected, the blood vessels get bigger and more noticeable giving the appearance of a “pink†eye. Conjunctivitis can ... cause increased tearing, colorful drainage, itchy eyes, blurred vision, and swelling of the eyelid. Although some types of conjunctivitis are contagious, it is not a serious health risk and is short lived with proper treatment. Conjunctivitis is caused by 1) Allergies 2) Irritants 3) Viruses or 4) Bacteria.
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Conjunctivitis refers to any inflammatory condition of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the sclera. It is the most common cause of "red eye." The etiology can usually be determined by a careful history and an ocular examination, but culture is occasionally necessary to establish the diagnosis or to guide therapy. Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by bacteria and viruses. Neisseria infection should be suspected when severe, bilateral, purulent conjunctivitis is present in a sexually active adult or in a neonate three to five days postpartum. Conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae requires aggressive antibiotic therapy, but conjunctivitis due to other bacteria is usually self-limited.
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Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes. If caused by an infection, it can usually be transmitted to other people quite easily. The disease is very common among children in day care or schools. In such settings, children come into close contact with each other and conjunctivitis spreads quickly throughout the group. The disease is ... known by the name of pink eye or red eye. These names come from the physical appearance of the eye as a result of conjunctivitis.
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Conjunctivitis can be directly cured with treatment. Usually antibiotic drops and compresses ease the discomfort and clear up the infection in just a few days. In a few cases, the inflammation does not respond well to the initial treatment with eye drops. In those cases recheck visits to the office should be made and other measures undertaken. In severe infection, oral antibiotics are necessary. Covering the eye is not a good idea because a cover provides protection for the germs causing the infection.
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Conjunctivitis caused by a sexually transmitted disease should be treated by a medical doctor. With other forms of conjunctivitis, some types of alternative treatments may be helpful. Some practitioners suggest strengthening of the immune system with herbs such as St. John's wort. Some symptoms of conjunctivitis may be relieved by the use of herbs, such as windflower, eyebright, and Belladonna. These herbs can be prepared in the form of eye drops or eye washes. Preparations should be kept sterile.
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Conjunctivitis