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CONJUNCTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, chemicals, or in newborns by bacteria passed during birth. Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge, watering eyes, and blurred vision. Treatment depends on the cause but may include antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, or saline washing. Good hygiene practices can help prevent spread, especially frequent hand washing and not sharing personal items.

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201 views8 pages

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, chemicals, or in newborns by bacteria passed during birth. Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge, watering eyes, and blurred vision. Treatment depends on the cause but may include antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, or saline washing. Good hygiene practices can help prevent spread, especially frequent hand washing and not sharing personal items.

Uploaded by

Wàrìs Ràfìqùé ßàlòçh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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CONJUNCTIVITIS

INTRODUCTION

 Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva.


 Conjunctivitis is a common eye disease, especially in children. It may affect one or
both eyes.
 Also called as pink eye.
 Conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, sometimes it can develop into a more
serious problem.
 Some forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can easily spread in schools
and at home.
 A viral or bacterial infection can cause conjunctivitis. It can also develop due to an
allergic reaction.

CONJUNTIVA

The conjunctiva is the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid
and covers the white part of the eye.

Functions of conjunctiva

The primary functions of the conjunctiva are:

 Keep the front surface of the eye moist and lubricated.


 Keep the inner surface of the eyelids moist and lubricated so they open and close
easily without friction or causing eye irritation.
 Protect the eye from dust, debris and infection-causing microorganisms.
 The conjunctiva has many small blood vessels that provide nutrients to the eye and
lids. It also contains special cells that secrete a component of the tear.
ETIOLOGY

There are three main types of conjunctivitis: allergic, infectious and chemical. The cause of
conjunctivitis varies depending on the type.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

 Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more commonly among people who already have
seasonal allergies.
 They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic
reaction in their eyes. ( pollen, dust or smoke)
 In response to allergens, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E
(IgE). This antibody triggers special cells called mast cells in the mucous lining of
your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, including histamines. Your
body's release of histamine can produce a number of allergy signs and symptoms,
including red or pink eyes.

Infectious Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis

 Is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria


from your own skin or respiratory system.
 Insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with
unclean hands), or using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions can also
cause the infection.
 Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are
improperly cleaned can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
 Contagious
 Also caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia bacteria.

Viral conjunctivitis

 Is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common


cold.
 It can develop through exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with
an upper respiratory tract infection.
 Viral conjunctivitis can also occur as the virus spreads along the body's own
mucous membranes, which connect the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts and
conjunctiva.
 Most common.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

 Chemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in


swimming pools, shampoo or cosmetics ingredients.
Other conjunctivitis include

 Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form that affects newborns. It can be caused by


dangerous bacteria. Get it treated right away to prevent permanent eye damage or
blindness.
 Giant papillary conjunctivitis is linked with the long-term use of contacts or an
artificial eye (ocular prosthesis). It is believed it’s an allergic reaction to a chronic
foreign body in your eye.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

 Conjunctiva covers the white part of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of
the eyelids.
 These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergen-provoking
agents, irritants and toxic agents.
 The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining
becomes red and swollen.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

They depend on the cause of the inflammation, but may include:

 Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid


 Swollen conjunctiva
 More tears than usual
 Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep. It can
make your eyelids stick shut when you wake up.
 Green or white discharge from the eye
 Itchy eyes
 Burning eyes
 Blurred vision
 More sensitive to light
 Swollen lymph nodes (often from a viral infection)

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for pink eye include:

 Exposure to something for which you have an allergy (allergic conjunctivitis)


 Exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis
 Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses.
DIAGNOSIS

Conjunctivitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination.

 Patient history to determine the symptoms, when the symptoms began, and whether
any general health or environmental conditions are contributing to the problem.
 Visual acuity measurements to determine whether vision has been affected.
 Evaluation of the conjunctiva and external eye tissue using bright light and
magnification.
 Evaluation of the inner structures of the eye to ensure that no other tissues are
affected by the condition.
 Testing, which may include taking cultures or smears of conjunctival tissue. This is
particularly important in cases of chronic conjunctivitis or when the condition is not
responding to treatment.

TREATMENT

Treating conjunctivitis has three main goals:

 Increase patient comfort.


 Reduce or lessen the course of the infection or inflammation.
 Prevent the spread of the infection in contagious forms of conjunctivitis.

The appropriate treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause:

 Allergic conjunctivitis.
o The first step is to remove or avoid the irritant.
o In more severe cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and
antihistamines may be prescribed.
o People with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid
eye drops.
 Bacterial conjunctivitis.
o This type of conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic in the form eye
drops or ointments or oral.
o You may need to apply eyedrops or ointments to the inside of your eyelid 3 to
4 times a day for 5 to 7 days.
o Bacterial conjunctivitis may improve after three or four days of treatment, but
patients need to take the entire course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
 Viral conjunctivitis.
o No drops or ointments can treat viral conjunctivitis.
o Antibiotics will not cure a viral infection.
o Symptoms can often be relieved with cool compresses.
For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the
o
discomfort from inflammation. However, these drops will not shorten the
infection.
 Chemical conjunctivitis.
o Careful washing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical
conjunctivitis.
o People with chemical conjunctivitis also may need to use topical steroids.

COMPLICATIONS

In both children and adults, pink eye can cause inflammation in the cornea that can affect
vision. Prompt evaluation and treatment by your doctor for eye pain, a feeling that something
is stuck in your eye (foreign body sensation), blurred vision or light sensitivity can reduce the
risk of complications.

PREVENTIONS

Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance:

 Don't touch your eyes with your hands.


 Wash your hands often.
 Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
 Don't share towels or washcloths.
 Change your pillowcases often.
 Throw away your eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
 Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.

Preventing pink eye in newborns


Newborns' eyes are susceptible to bacteria normally present in the mother's birth canal. These
bacteria cause no symptoms in the mother. In rare cases, these bacteria can cause infants to
develop a serious form of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which needs
treatment without delay to preserve sight. That's why shortly after birth, an antibiotic
ointment is applied to every newborn's eyes. The ointment helps prevent eye infection.

Compiled by

WARIS RAFIQUE (PHARM-D 2014-19)

03202025034

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