Treatment of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of eye redness in children and adults. The disease may occur due to infections, allergic reactions, or irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, every year millions of people visit a doctor because of conjunctivitis symptoms. Most often, patients are bothered by redness, itching, tearing, swelling of the eyelids, and discharge from the eyes.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, experienced ophthalmologists provide diagnosis and treatment of conjunctivitis in adults and children. You can attend an ophthalmologist consultation at branches in different districts of Kyiv and in Irpin. Appointment booking is available by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.

Conjunctivitis — is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, which covers the inner surface of the eyelids and part of the eyeball. The conjunctiva performs a protective function, participates in moisturizing the surface of the eye, and helps maintain local immunity.

Conjunctivitis in an adult or in a child often develops against the background of viral or bacterial infections, contact with allergens, irritation of the mucous membrane, or violation of the rules for using contact lenses.

Conjunctivitis may occur due to infections, allergic reactions, or irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye. There are also factors that increase the risk of developing the disease and make it easier for infection to get into the eyes.

The main causes of conjunctivitis include:

• viral infections;
• bacterial infections;
• contact with allergens;
• eye irritation by dust, smoke, or chemical substances;
• improper use of contact lenses;
• injury to the mucous membrane of the eye.

The risk of developing conjunctivitis increases with failure to observe hand hygiene, using other people's towels or cosmetics, as well as after previous viral diseases.

Conjunctivitis usually begins gradually with irritation and discomfort in one eye. A person may notice slight redness, a feeling of dryness, or sand under the eyelids. In many cases, the inflammation spreads to the second eye within 1–2 days.

Early manifestations of the disease include:

• redness of the eyes;
• itching or burning;
• tearing;
• a feeling of a foreign body in the eye;
• discomfort during blinking;
• slight swelling of the eyelids;
• increased sensitivity to light.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» emphasize: if redness of the eyes, itching, tearing, or discomfort does not go away, it is not worth postponing a visit to an ophthalmologist. These exact manifestations are often the first signs of conjunctivitis. Fever with conjunctivitis, as well as a runny nose, sore throat, and other cold symptoms may appear in viral forms of the disease, which also should not be ignored.

In some cases, vision deterioration is possible with conjunctivitis, especially with pronounced swelling, a large amount of discharge, or the spread of inflammation to the cornea. If the symptoms quickly intensify, severe pain appears, or a sharp decrease in vision clarity occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Some manifestations of conjunctivitis may resemble other ophthalmological diseases, in particular chalazion, so with prolonged discomfort or swelling of the eyelids, it is important to undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis begins with an ophthalmologist consultation and an eye examination. The doctor assesses the condition of the mucous membrane, the nature of redness, the presence of discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and accompanying symptoms. In most cases, this is enough to determine the form of the disease and select treatment.

If necessary, the following may additionally be performed:

• biomicroscopy of the eye;
• laboratory examination of discharge from the eye;
• visual acuity check.

With a prolonged course or frequent recurrences, the doctor may recommend additional examinations. At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, an ophthalmologist consultation and a comprehensive vision check are available in one place.

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause of inflammation, the form of the disease, and the severity of symptoms.

With bacterial forms, the following may be used:

• antibacterial eye drops;
• eye ointments;
• antiseptic products for eye hygiene.

With the viral form, treatment is usually aimed at reducing symptoms and supporting the mucous membrane of the eye. The doctor may recommend:

• moisturizing drops;
• anti-inflammatory agents.

With allergic forms, the main task is to reduce contact with the allergen and eliminate inflammation. In such cases, the following may be prescribed:

• antihistamine medications;
• anti-allergic eye drops;
• moisturizing products for the eyes.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend temporarily giving up contact lenses during the treatment of conjunctivitis, not rubbing the eyes with hands, and using a separate towel to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

In most cases, symptoms gradually decrease within a few days after the start of treatment. If redness, pain, or discharge from the eyes intensifies, it is necessary to contact an ophthalmologist again.

Eye preparations should not be selected independently, since different forms of conjunctivitis require different approaches to therapy. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, self-treatment with eye drops without consulting a doctor can complicate the course of the disease and mask other ophthalmological problems.

Prevention helps reduce the risk of infection and repeated development of eye inflammation. It is especially important to follow hygiene rules during the period of seasonal viral infections and when in contact with people who have symptoms of eye inflammation.

For prevention, it is recommended to:

• wash hands regularly;
• not touch the eyes with dirty hands;
• use only individual towels and cosmetics;
• properly care for contact lenses;
• avoid contact with allergens when prone to allergic reactions;
• treat viral and bacterial infections in a timely manner;
• avoid prolonged eye irritation by dust, smoke, or chemical substances.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend avoiding touching the eyes with hands in public places during seasonal outbreaks of viral infections and carefully following the rules for using and cleaning contact lenses. This is especially important for people who have already had conjunctivitis or are prone to frequent eye inflammations.

The cost of treatment depends on the cause of inflammation and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, a doctor’s consultation and the use of preparations for local therapy are sufficient, while with a prolonged or complicated course, additional examinations, follow-up examinations, and comprehensive treatment may be needed.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the cost of doctors’ consultations and other medical services here. To make an appointment, use the online appointment form on the website or contact our contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology

US National Library of Medicine

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention