Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent skin that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Symptoms include redness of the eye, swelling of the eyelids and a gunky sticky yellow discharge. Treatment involves using antibiotic eye drops and ocular lubricants for comfort.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Symptoms include redness, irritation, pearly discharge, tearing and sometimes blurring. It is highly contagious by direct contact with your tears and you should avoid sharing towels & minimise contact with those around you until your symptoms settle down.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses so treatment is aimed at managing your symptoms whilst the infection runs its course over a few weeks. Ocular lubricants and anti-inflammatory drops are commonly prescribed. Corneal inflammation is a complication of this condition so regular checks with your ophthalmologist are required to monitor your eyes for this and prescribe treatment as needed.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Symptoms include redness of one or both eyes associated with itching, irritation, lid swelling and sometimes discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to an irritant such as dust, pollen or other allergens. The condition often occurs in episodes and can be seasonal.
Treatment with ocular lubricants and anti-histamine drops may be sufficient. Placing a cool compress over the eyes can also provide comfort. In more severe cases, a short course of ocular steroids may be required. These drops can have serious side effects and require close monitoring by an ophthalmologist.
