Conjunctivitis

Causes:

The causes might be due to Bacterial, Viral or Environmental.

• Allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Bacteria
• Certain diseases
• Chemical exposure
• Chlamydia
• Fungi
• Parasites (rarely)
• Use of contact lenses (especially extended-wear lenses)

Signs & Symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight
• Eye pain
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Increased tearing
• Itching of the eye
• Redness in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis:

• Examination of the eyes
• Swab of conjunctiva for analysis

Treatment:

Conjunctivitis is generally not a serious problem. But it is important to consult your doctor. Bacterial conjunctivitis is generally treated with antibiotic drops or ointment. Like a cold, viral conjunctivitis will usually go away on its own, even without treatment. But eye-drops are often prescribed to help control the symptoms. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses does not respond to antibiotics. You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses (clean cloths soaked in warm water) to your closed eyes.