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Conjunctivitis

 

Question: What is the eye condition called Conjunctivitis?

Answer: Conjunctivitis* is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a thin transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. There are three main types of conjunctivitis namely: infectious, allergic and chemical. This eye condition can affect patients of all ages including children.

 

The cause of infectious conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye” is either a contagious virus or bacteria. If a patient has allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics, this can bring on the allergic form. Irritants like air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools may cause the chemical form of conjunctivitis.

The common symptoms of conjunctivitis are red eyes, inflamed inner lids, watery eyes, blurred vision and sandy or scratchy feeling in the eyes. There may be a pus-like discharge around the eyelids if the patient has contracted the infectious form.

 

Caution should be taken to avoid spreading infectious conjunctivitis to others. The hands should be kept away from the eyes and thoroughly washed before and after applying eye medication. Also, avoid sharing towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye drops with others. Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

A comprehensive eye health examination done by your Optometrist can determine if conjunctivitis has developed. If the patient is diagnosed with the bacterial infectious form, the Optometrist may recommend the use of antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment to treat the condition. If the diagnosis is viral infectious conjunctivitis, the virus will have to be fought off by the body’s immune system, but the use of an antibiotic may be recommended to prevent a secondary bacterial infection from developing. The ideal treatment for both the allergic and chemical forms of this condition is to remove the cause of the allergy or irritant. Prescription and over-the-counter eye drops are available to help relieve any discomfort.

 

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following comprehensive eye health examination guidelines:

• Birth to 5 years: Immediately, if parents sense a problem, otherwise by age 3 and again prior to entering school.
• School age children 6-19 years: Annually or every 2 years.
• Over 19 years of age: Every 2 years or sooner if recommended by your Optometrist.

 

* All content is provided for education and information, and is no substitute for the advice of your optometrist. This information is provided courtesy of the British Columbia Association of Optometrists (B.C.A.O.). The B.C.A.O. assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information contained herein.