You were fine till yesterday. But, this morning when you woke up, you found it difficult to open your eyes. The eyelids were stuck to each other with a sticky discharge. Most of us have gone through such ordeal during a season change. Eye specialist Dr Rajiv Bajaj explains to Pankaj Khanna the why’s and how’s of conjunctivitis

First thing first…what is conjunctivitis?

Any inflammation of mucus membrane of the eye is called conjunctivitis. Conjunctiva is the outermost layer of the eye. The disease is manifested in the form of redness, discharge, irritation, swelling and watering of the eyes. 

And what causes it?

Infections and allergy are the main causes. Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by viruses and bacteria. A bit of toxic reaction to drugs could also lead to conjunctivitis. An unhygienic condition is one of the common causes leading to such eye infections.

You said bacteria and virus cause conjunctivitis. So are viral and bacterial conjunctivitis different?

The viral type usually affects only one eye and is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. It generally produces watery or mucous discharge and is highly contagious. The bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. It produces thick, yellow green, sticky discharge. It is also associated with cold or sore throat.

Both are associated with cold and sore throat. So, how will a patient know…

He must visit an ophthalmologist because bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are infectious and highly contagious. Just like the common cold, you can spread the virus by coughing or sneezing. Sharing items that touch the eye, like makeup and towels, can spread the virus. Usually, the condition improves in a few days. But the eye specialist, depending on the case and type of infection, may give anti-biotic ointment or steroid to treat it. Warm compresses of the eye are also advised. It is advisable to discontinue the use of contact lenses until the problem is resolved.

Are there any warning symptoms?

Yes, there are many. One may experience redness, irritation, mild pain, watering and discharge from eyes. Systemic signs include mild fever, cold and cough, enlargement of draining lymph nodes. Itching and watering are the prominent symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.    

So, allergic conjunctivitis is the third variety. What causes it?

It is caused by airborne or contact allergens. Airborne allergens include dust, pollens, molds, spores and animal dander. Contact allergens include eye drops, cosmetics, clothing, jewellery, plastics and industrial chemicals. It affects both eyes and causes itching and redness in the eyes and sometimes the nose, as well as excessive tearing. Some of its symptoms include sudden onset of itching, irritation, swelling and watering of the eyes.

If babies get conjunctivitis, can it be serious?

Neonatal conjunctivitis which occurs in babies if left untreated may produce severe localised infections of the eye and even lead to blindness. So, it’s very important to keep hands and eyes of children clean because they rub the eyes a lot. It can also be caused by a blocked tear duct, which can be treated by gentle massage between the eye and nasal area. Irritation from the antibiotic eye drops given to babies immediately after birth can cause a mild chemical conjunctivitis.

How to avoid spreading conjunctivitis?

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid rubbing and touching of eyes unnecessarily
• Avoid shaking hands with others if you have the infection
• Don’t swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water)
• Avoid touching the face
• Don’t share towels or washcloths
• Do not reuse handkerchiefs