PINK EYE as it is popularly addressed is a disturbing condition as it affects a significant organ in the body, the EYES.
It s a case of inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and inner eyelid and when inflamed or infected causes its color to change to pink and in some cases red.
It s a case of inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and inner eyelid and when inflamed or infected causes its color to change to pink and in some cases red.
It can be triggered by a host of factors which may be Viral, bacterial, Allergy triggered or a case of chemical exposure.
Symptoms of PINK EYE goes beyond the change in color of the conjunctiva and they include; redness, itching, tearing, discharge, and more.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of CONJUNCTIVITIS surfaces when the body's immune system responds to an infection or irritant with inflammation.
Symptoms of CONJUNCTIVITIS surfaces when the body's immune system responds to an infection or irritant with inflammation.
It Causes blood vessels to dilate in a bid to allow larger immune cells access to the location of the infection. Infection causes the destruction of white blood cells which accumulate along with dead bacteria or viruses (depending on the cause) can lead to the formation of pus.
The symptoms of PINK EYE includes but not limited to:
A pink discoloration of one or both eyes
- Increased sensitivity to lightA
- gritty feeling in the affected eye
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Excessive tearing
- A discharge from the eye that can form a crust at night
- Swollen eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Heightened sensitivity to light
CAUSES OF PINK EYE
This condition is quite common and can be triggered by several factors. Conjunctivitis can be broken down to three types, namely: chemical conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and infectious conjunctivitis.
This condition is quite common and can be triggered by several factors. Conjunctivitis can be broken down to three types, namely: chemical conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and infectious conjunctivitis.
CHEMICAL CONJUNCTIVITIS : This type of conjunctivitis is also known as toxic conjunctivitis, it can be caused by anything in the environment that irritates or injures the eye, such as smoke, fumes, acid exposure, or over-chlorinated pools.
INFECTIOUS CONJUNCTIVITIS: The two causes of infectious conjunctivitis are BACTERIA and VIRUSES. The most common viral type of conjunctivitis which is also highly contagious, is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC).
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, usually transmitted by touching your eyes with unclean hands or sharing eye makeup, are often associated with infectious conjunctivitis.
Babies can contract a serious type known as ophthalmia neonatorum as they pass through the birth canal.
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, usually transmitted by touching your eyes with unclean hands or sharing eye makeup, are often associated with infectious conjunctivitis.
Babies can contract a serious type known as ophthalmia neonatorum as they pass through the birth canal.
ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS: We Humans are unique beings in the sense that our bodies can reject a particular drug, condition, food etc which causes allergy trigger and in turn cause allergic conjunctivitis. A unique type, called giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), is triggered by the ongoing presence of a foreign body in the eye, such as contact lenses.
TREATMENT
The type of conjunctivitis determines the treatment method to be employed which is why it is advisable to check in with a qualified physician before deciding what to do.
The type of conjunctivitis determines the treatment method to be employed which is why it is advisable to check in with a qualified physician before deciding what to do.
Symptoms may resolve with time In some cases, In other cases, they may require topical eye drops or oral medications to treat an underlying infection.
Among the treatment approaches:
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Uncomplicated cases can often be treated with antibiotic eye drops or topical ointments. In some cases, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
Symptoms tend to resolve within three to four days. Most cases ophthalmia neonatorum are avoided today due to the standard practice of applying a topical antibiotic into the eyes of newborns upon delivery.
Symptoms tend to resolve within three to four days. Most cases ophthalmia neonatorum are avoided today due to the standard practice of applying a topical antibiotic into the eyes of newborns upon delivery.
Viral conjunctivitis: As with many viral infections, including the common cold, the illness simply needs to run its course. This can take anywhere from two to three weeks.
If there is severe pain or discomfort, steroid eye drops may be used to provide relief. Oral antivirals may be prescribed in certain cases.
If there is severe pain or discomfort, steroid eye drops may be used to provide relief. Oral antivirals may be prescribed in certain cases.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Removing the trigger of the allergy is the best treatment. In the case of giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) , this may involve the removal of your contact lenses for two to three weeks and/or switching from hard lenses to soft ones. Cool compresses, artificial tears, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve pain and discomfort.
Chemical conjunctivitis: The first step is to flush the eyes with water or a saline wash. Serious cases may require topical steroids. Severe chemical injuries, particularly alkali burns, are considered medical emergencies and are treated in the same way as a burn injury.
REMEMBER TO VISIT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU SUSPECT ANY ILLNESS, DON'T HOLD IT IN! IT'S DEADLY
J
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