Conjunctivitis means
inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin 'skin'
that covers the white part of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids.
There are many causes but most infective cases are caused by either
bacteria or viruses. Most bouts of infective conjunctivitis are not
serious, and soon clear.
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Photograph of severe case
of infective conjunctivitis |
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Signs and symptoms
Sore, gritty,
red eyes, and discharge which may be watery or sticky, depending on
the cause. This makes the eyes sticky in the mornings. One eye may be
infected, but it usually spreads to both eyes. Some soreness may develop,
but it is not usually very painful. Vision is not normally affected.
Treatment
Bacterial
conjunctivitis is easily treated with antibiotic drops or ointment and
usually settles down over about 10 days. There is no direct treatment
for viral conjunctivitis. It will gradually clear up on its own, but
often antibiotic drops (eg: chloramphenicol) are prescribed to prevent
a secondary bacterial infection occurring. (Tell your doctor if you
are pregnant as some antibiotic eye drops are not suitable.)
Occasionally swabs
are taken to determine the cause of the conjunctivitis but this is not
usually necessary.
Conjunctivitis is
infectious, so it is important that you follow some basic advice:
- Keep your face flannel separate from those of the rest of the family.
- Wash
your hands thoroughly after touching your eyes.
- Use
tissues, should you need to wipe your eyes, and dispose of them immediately
afterwards.
- Do
not allow anyone else to use your eye drops or ointment. Throw them
away when your treatment is finished.
- Do
not wear contact lenses when you have conjunctivitis, or when you
use antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Most infections start to settle on treatment after a few days. However,
you should see your doctor again if any of the following occur.
- Symptoms change (for example, light starts to hurt your eyes).
- Pain
becomes worse (mild soreness rather than pain is usual with conjunctivitis).
- Spots
or blisters develop on the skin next to the eye.
- Your
vision becomes affected.
