CONJUNCTIVITIS
1. Context
With persistent rain, cases of conjunctivitis, or ‘pink eye’, are on the rise in several parts of the country, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Gujarat.
2. What is Conjuctivitus?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), conjunctivitis, “often referred to as “pink eye”, is the swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.”
3. What causes Conjunctivitis?
- It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergy. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type and is usually spread through contact with the secretions from an infected person's eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common but can be more serious. It is also spread through contact with infected secretions, but it can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces
- Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by common allergens like pollen, or due to the long-term presence of a foreign body in the eye, like hard contact lenses
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is “most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system”, while 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.”
- Chemical conjunctivitis, meanwhile, “can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals”
4. Symptoms
The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary depending on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis usually causes mild symptoms, such as:
- Redness of the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Itching
- Slight discharge
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes more severe symptoms, such as:
- More redness
- Thicker discharge
- Sticky eyelids
- Pain
Allergic conjunctivitis usually causes symptoms that are worse in the morning and improve throughout the day. These symptoms can include:
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Itching
- Swelling
Source: indianexpress
