The membrane that lines the eyelids and the white part of the eye (sclera) is called the conjunctiva. When the conjunctiva becomes swollen, irritated or infected, this is known as conjunctivitis. Show When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva are inflamed, they swell and become more visible, which causes the eyes to appear reddish. This common conjunctivitis symptom is the reason why the condition is often called pink eye or red eye. Conjunctivitis is a common disorder and isn’t usually serious. However, any newborn baby with conjunctivitis should see a doctor immediately to rule out infection, which can be very serious. SymptomsConjunctivitis symptoms can affect one or both eyes and include:
CausesThere are a number of causes of conjunctivitis including viruses, bacterial infections, allergies, chemical injury, foreign objects in the eye, use of contact lenses over an extended period of time in adults and, in babies, a blocked tear duct. Less common causes are chlamydia and parasites. Conjunctivitis is common in school-aged children because the viral and bacterial types can be easily transmitted from person to person. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitisBoth types cause a watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis can also produce a thicker, yellow-green discharge. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be associated with sore throats and colds. Viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are extremely contagious and can be spread through direct or indirect contact with eye fluid/secretions from an infected person. Adults and children can both be affected. However, bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children. In newborns, conjunctivitis caused by infection can be very serious. Allergic conjunctivitisAllergic conjunctivitis can affect both eyes and is often a response to an allergy-causing substance, such as pollen or animal dander. The body responds to these allergens by producing an antibody (immunoglobulin E), which triggers the release of inflammatory substances (e.g. histamines) from cells in the mucous lining of the eyes. Histamines produce symptoms that include intense itching, inflammation, swelling, tearing, sneezing and a watery nasal discharge. Traumatic conjunctivitisA chemical injury or foreign object in the eye can cause conjunctivitis, resulting in red, watery eyes and a mucous discharge. Neonatal conjunctivitisConjunctivitis in newborn babies can occur in the first month of life and must be assessed by a paediatric ophthalmologist immediately because it is potentially vision-threatening. Conjunctivitis treatmentsBacterial conjunctivitisAntibiotic eye drops may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis. Even without medication, the infection should ease after several days. An antibiotic eye ointment is sometimes used in children as this can be easier to administer, although it can blur vision for a short time after application. In either case, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and use the antibiotics for the recommended period to prevent a recurrence of the infection. Do not stop conjunctivitis treatment early, even if the eye seems better. Viral conjunctivitisUnfortunately, there is no treatment for this type of conjunctivitis. The virus needs to run its course, which may last for 2 or 3 weeks. It can often start with one eye and then infect the other eye. The symptoms will gradually clear up on their own. Sometimes a doctor may recommend an antiviral medication if the herpes simplex virus is the cause. It is important for children to have their eyes checked to ensure that they are healing. Allergic conjunctivitisIf an allergy is causing irritation, a doctor may prescribe eye drops containing medications that control allergic reactions (e.g. antihistamines and mast-cell stabilisers) or drugs that control inflammation. The severity of allergic conjunctivitis can be reduced if the cause is known and deliberately avoided, although this may not always be possible. PreventionIf someone you know is suffering from conjunctivitis, avoid contact with them. Children with conjunctivitis should not attend school until they are fully recovered. Good hygiene is extremely important, as it will help to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Some suggestions include:
ComplicationsComplications are very rare, but severe cases of conjunctivitis can sometimes lead to scarring of the eye. Infectious conjunctivitis can spread to other parts of the body, which may trigger a more serious secondary infection such as meningitis. SummaryConjunctivitis is a common disorder, especially amongst children but also in adults. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, can prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. If you have any symptoms that indicate you may be suffering from conjunctivitis, see your doctor or optometrist. A referral to an ophthalmologist is not generally necessary, unless the conjunctivitis does not resolve or gets worse, or if the patient is a newborn baby. Chemosis occurs when the inner lining of the eyelids swells. This means your eye has become irritated, typically by allergies or as the result of a viral or bacterial infection. What is chemosis of the conjunctiva? Chemosis of the conjunctiva is a type of eye inflammation. The condition is more often referred to as “chemosis.” It occurs when the inner lining of the eyelids swells. This transparent lining, called the conjunctiva, also covers the surface of the eye. The swelling of the conjunctiva means your eye has become irritated. Chemosis is most often related to allergies. Sometimes a viral or bacterial infection may cause it. Chemosis is not contagious — you can’t catch it from another person. The primary cause of chemosis is irritation. Allergies play a role in eye irritation and chemosis. Seasonal allergies or allergic reactions to pets are the main causes. Animal dander and pollen can make your eyes water, look red, and ooze a white-colored discharge. This condition is called allergic conjunctivitis. You can develop both conjunctivitis and chemosis because of allergies. Chemosis of the conjunctiva is also associated with angioedema. This is a form of allergic reaction in which your skin swells. Unlike hives — a swelling on the surface of your skin — angioedema swelling occurs underneath your skin. Eye infections, like viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, can lead to chemosis. You can also have chemosis after eye surgery, or as a result of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland overproduces hormones. According to Columbia University’s Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, some people with overactive thyroids experience eye-related symptoms like chemosis. Rubbing your eyes too much or too often can also cause chemosis. Chemosis occurs when the membrane lining your eyes and eyelids accumulates fluid. Symptoms may include:
You might not be able to close your eyes completely during a bout of chemosis because of the swelling. Some people do not have any symptoms of chemosis other than inflammation. Call your doctor if you have eye pain or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include changes in breathing or heart rate, wheezing, and swelling of the lips or tongue. Your eye doctor can most often diagnose chemosis by doing a physical examination of the affected eye(s). Your eye doctor may ask questions about the length and severity of your symptoms. Give detailed information about your symptoms and allergies. This will help your doctor find the best treatment. The key to treating chemosis is to reduce inflammation. Managing the swelling can reduce discomfort and negative impact on your vision. Placing cool compresses over your eyes may ease discomfort and inflammation. Your doctor may also tell you to stop wearing contact lenses during treatment. Further treatment may depend on the cause of your chemosis. AllergiesIf chemosis is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend antihistamines. These medications reduce your body’s reaction to allergens. An allergen is a substance that your body sees as harmful. When your body encounters an allergen, like dust or pet dander, it produces histamines to fight off the perceived intruder. Antihistamines can help suppress this immune response and reduce symptoms like irritation and swelling. Try to stay away from known allergens like pollen, pet dander, and smoke. An over-the-counter oral antihistamine, like Claritin (loratadine), is usually strong enough to treat chemosis inflammation due to allergies. Let your doctor know if these medications are not effective. You may need a prescription for stronger medications. Bacterial infectionYour doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops to lubricate your eyes. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need over-the-counter eye drops. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic ointments or eye drops. If you show symptoms of a bacterial infection, take the full course of medication. This will prevent the infection from recurring. Viral infectionViral conjunctivitis is another potential cause of chemosis. However, antibiotics don’t treat viral infections. Cold compresses and lubricating eye drops are often the best treatments for this type of infection. Your outlook depends on the cause and severity of chemosis. If you treat the underlying cause you should make a full recovery. In some cases, such as after eye surgery, chemosis may not be preventable. However, if chemosis is caused by allergies, taking steps to avoid them and managing symptoms can reduce the risk for recurring bouts of chemosis. Practice good hand washing to prevent the spread of bacteria. Also, avoid excessively touching or rubbing your eyes, especially with dirty hands. |