What is Conjunctivitis, Its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

One of the problems caused by seasonal changes is conjunctivitis.

Particularly in the spring months, the increase in pollen can lead to a rise in complaints of conjunctivitis. Although there are different types of conjunctivitis, the general symptoms are the same. If you're curious about what conjunctivitis is and what its symptoms are, you can refer to the rest of the text.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis occurs due to the inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the surface of the eye. This condition, also known as conjunctivitis, is sometimes referred to as "pink eye" because the white part of the infected eye becomes red, resulting in a noticeable pink hue. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or allergic infections. This condition can often lead to various complications, although it is usually not serious.

What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

The symptoms of conjunctivitis may vary depending on the type and extent of the infection, but they generally manifest with the following signs:

• Eye Redness and Swelling: The most noticeable symptom is a distinct redness and swelling in the white part of the eyes. This redness occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels in the eyes.
• Eye Watering and Discharge: Conjunctivitis typically presents with watery discharge and tearing. Clear or slightly white discharge may continuously come from the eyes.
• Sticking of Eyelids: Due to conjunctivitis, the eyelids may stick together when you wake up or after being closed for a long time. This can cause discomfort when trying to open the eyes.
• Dryness and Burning Sensation: Some patients may experience a feeling of dryness and a slight burning sensation in the eyes. These symptoms may arise in response to inflammation of the eye surface.
• Light Sensitivity: Conjunctivitis may result in increased sensitivity to light, making bright lights uncomfortable.
• Itching in the Eyes: There may be a slight itching sensation in the eyes due to the infection. However, scratching should be avoided as it can lead to further spread of the infection.

Conjunctivitis typically heals on its own, but if the symptoms become bothersome or indicate a more serious problem, it is important to consult an eye care professional. The doctor can prepare an appropriate treatment plan based on the type of infection. Especially since antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, accurate diagnosis and management are crucial.

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

The causes of conjunctivitis may include:

• Viruses: One of the most common causes is viral infections. Different types of viruses, such as adenoviruses, can lead to inflammation of the eye surface. Viral conjunctivitis usually develops in association with infections like the common cold or flu.
• Bacteria: Bacteria can also cause conjunctivitis. Specifically, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to inflammation of the eye surface. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often contagious and can spread through direct contact or contact with infected hands.
• Allergies: Some individuals may exhibit hypersensitivity to environmental factors or allergens. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can cause conjunctivitis.
• Chemical Irritants: Exposure to chemicals that irritate the eyes can also lead to conjunctivitis. Substances like detergents, chlorinated water, or gases can cause irritation and inflammation in the eyes.
• Contact Lens Use: Contact lenses that are not used in accordance with proper hygiene rules or those used for extended periods can irritate the eye surface and increase the risk of infection.
• Infections Transmitted from Mother to Newborns: Newborns may be susceptible to conjunctivitis due to infections that can be passed from the mother during childbirth.

The cause of conjunctivitis may vary depending on the symptoms and type of infection. It is important to consult an eye doctor when symptoms arise or there is suspicion of infection. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the effects of the infection and prevent its spread.

How is Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis of conjunctivitis typically requires an evaluation by an eye health specialist. The diagnosis is usually made through the following steps:

• Patient History: The doctor listens to the patient’s history to understand the symptoms and signs. By asking when the symptoms began, they try to determine what may have caused the condition.
• Eye Examination: The eye doctor may use a microscope to examine the physical condition of the eyes. The redness, swelling, discharge, and other signs of the eyes are carefully inspected.
• Discharge and Swab Tests: The doctor may take samples of eye discharge or swab to identify the cause of the infection. These samples can be examined in laboratory tests to help determine the type of bacterial or viral infection.
• Light Sensitivity Test: Increased sensitivity to light is a common symptom in cases of conjunctivitis. The doctor may assess this sensitivity by shining bright light into your eyes or using a special lamp.
• Other Tests: If necessary, the eye doctor may request additional tests to rule out allergic reactions or other potential eye issues.

Correct diagnosis is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options. Once the cause of conjunctivitis (such as viruses, bacteria, or allergies) is accurately identified, a treatment plan can be tailored accordingly. It is important to consult an eye health specialist when symptoms of conjunctivitis are noticed or become bothersome.

How Does Conjunctivitis Resolve?

The treatment of conjunctivitis may vary depending on the type of infection. Treatment generally focuses on alleviating symptoms, reducing discomfort, and preventing the spread of infection. Treatment may include:

• Home Care and Hygiene: Most cases of conjunctivitis can be mild and may improve with simple home remedies. Keeping the eyes clean can help prevent the spread of infection and provide comfort.
• Eye Drops and Ointments: Antibacterial or antiviral eye drops or ointments may be prescribed for the treatment of conjunctivitis. These medications are determined by the doctor based on the cause of the infection.
• Allergy Medications: If conjunctivitis is due to allergic reactions, antihistamine eye drops or allergy medications may help alleviate symptoms.
• Cold or Warm Compresses: Applying cold or warm compresses to the eyes can be beneficial for discomfort and swelling. However, you should consult your doctor on which type to use.
• Contact Lens Use: If you wear lenses, it may be advisable to switch to glasses during the course of conjunctivitis to aid in recovery.
• Medications Prescribed by the Doctor: Especially for bacterial infections, you may need to take antibiotics or antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor.
• Doctor Check-ups: Regular doctor visits during treatment are important for preventing potential risks and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

If symptoms of conjunctivitis worsen or do not respond to treatment, it is essential to consult an eye health specialist promptly. Additionally, adhering to hygiene rules is crucial to prevent the spread of infection.

Contagiousness of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a contagious condition. An individual with conjunctivitis can spread viruses or bacteria to others through infected eye discharge or secretions. Especially in cases of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, the condition can easily be transmitted from person to person. Contact with infected eyes or sharing personal items such as towels, makeup, or pillows can increase the risk of spreading the infection.

To reduce the risk of uncontrolled transmission and prevent infection, the following precautions should be taken:

• An infected person should avoid touching their infected eyes and wash their hands frequently.
• Hands should be washed immediately after coming into contact with eye discharge or swabs.
• Individuals with symptoms of conjunctivitis should stay home to prevent the spread of infection and avoid crowded places.
• It is best not to return to school or work until they are certain that the symptoms of conjunctivitis have completely resolved.
• People with conjunctivitis symptoms should avoid using contact lenses and prefer wearing glasses.
• It is important to frequently clean the surface of the eyes to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis symptoms.

Due to its contagious nature, individuals with symptoms of conjunctivitis should avoid close contact with others and take appropriate measures to limit the spread of the infection.